‖ tumata-kuru
(ˈtuːmataˌkʊrʊ)
Also tumatu-, tomata-kuru, -guru, tumatagowry, toomatoogooroo.
[Maori.]
A spiny, spreading New Zealand shrub, Discaria Toumatou, N.O. Rhamnaceæ, the thorns of which were used by the Maori in tattooing. Also called New Zealand Hawthorn, Wild Irishman, and corruptly matagouri.
| 1859 J. T. Thomson in Otago Gaz. 22 Sept. 264 (Morris) Much over-run with the scrub called ‘tomata-guru’. 1883 J. Hector Handbk. N. Zealand 131 Tumatakuru, Wild Irishman. A bush or small tree with spreading branches... The spines were used by the Maoris for tatooing. 1898 Morris Austral Eng., Tumata-kuru..Tumatagowry, or Matagory is the Southern corruption of contractors, labourers, and others. |