Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A wise man; a native priest or medicine-man. [New Zealand.]

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The old tohunga gummed a smile and rocked in the sand.

    Once An Angel Medeiros, Teresa, 1962- 1993

  • If Witi Ahamera was their king and his white-haired tohunga their royal physician, then Justin was their cherished crown prince, greeting the other tribe with respectful familiarity.

    Once An Angel Medeiros, Teresa, 1962- 1993

  • It is very remarkable, that, whenever a child is born in New Zealand, it is the invariable practice to take it to the tohunga, or priest, who sprinkles it on the face with water, from a leaf which he holds in his hand.

    John Rutherford, the White Chief George Lillie Craik 1832

  • It takes away a body that has its own whakapapa, its own history that is identified with whānau, hapū, and iwi, and urban Māori authorities, significant Māori individuals, tohunga*, artists, and communities.

    NZ On Screen 2010

  • "But what can be stated is that tohunga or kaumatua should be consulted by whanau where makutu is suspected so that the whanau receive the correct expert advice as to how to deal with a situation, as such advice will be tempered by ensuring what is to be carried out by such exorcism remains within the laws of New Zealand as set down by Parliament," he said.

    Stuff.co.nz - Stuff 2010

  • (tohunga = wizard priest), who has got the Aohanga Maoris at his beck and call.

    Adventures in Many Lands Various

  • Being only a "cookee," [AA] he had no person to wait upon him, but was obliged to submit to the distressing operation of feeding himself in the manner proscribed by the superstitious ordinance; and he was told by the tohunga, or priest, that if he presumed to put one finger to his mouth before he had completed the work he was about, the atua (divinity) would certainly punish his impious contempt, by getting into his stomach before his time, and eating him out of the world.

    John Rutherford, the White Chief George Lillie Craik 1832

  • "The police aren't exactly within coo-ee in these wilds, and you must remember that your Maori Johnny happens to be Horoeka the _tohunga_

    Adventures in Many Lands Various

  • Pupils attended from three to five years, and then qualified as priests or _tohunga_ [Footnote:

    Homer and His Age Andrew Lang 1878

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