Niu. 1. n. Small sticks used for purposes of divination. I tuhia mai ki te niu maka (M. 299). Unuhia tonutia te toetoe, herea tonutia ki te niu. ‖ S.T. 139.
2. Divination. Various methods were known as niu ringaringa, niu tu a umu, etc.
3. The name given by the Hauhau leaders to the pole set up by them for their ceremonies.
4. v.t. Dress timber smooth with a toki. Mo te niao o te waka, mo te taha o te rakau, kia niua, kia tika ai te tarai.
5. v.i. Move along, glide. Ka whakarongo, niu ake, niu ake.
For 4 and 5 ‖ Ta. niu.
6. A child's toy. = topa, koke.
Williams Dictionary
