manaia

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Maori manaia.

Noun

manaia (plural manaias)

1. A bird-headed mythological creature and symbol of protection in Māori mythology.

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Maori

Etymology

Cognate to Niuean fakamanaia and Samoan fa'amanaia, with the original meaning of "decoration".

Noun

manaia

1. a manaia (a figure often seen in art, generally depicted as a man with a bird's head)
2. a seahorse

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Samoan

Noun

manaia

1. ceremonial household heir apparent