Maoria: A Sketch of the Manners and Customs of the Aboriginal Inhabitants of New Zealand.
3. (Page 35.)
3. (Page 35.)
Tapu or taboo.—This word denoted prohibition; it is, therefore, a mistake to give it a religious signification, and translate it holy or sacred, or under a religious interdict, for it meant nothing of the kind. A betrothed woman was tapu, or if a ruling chief thought that a bed of shell-fish was being overworked, he declared it tapu, etc.