Hongi. 1. v.t. Smell. E kore korua e ngaro, ka hongia ki te piro (T. 46).
2. Sniff. Ka hongi ki te marangai, ki nga hau katoa (T. 18).
3. Salute by pressing the noses together; incorrectly called rub noses. Ka tatu ki raro ka hongi ki nga wahine ra (T. 137).
4. Figuratively of trunk of a tree hanging on the stump when felled; regarded as a bad omen. ‖ J. vii, 131.
5. n. Topmost batten in the roof of a house. (Tar.)
hongihongi, v.t. Smell. Kia noho tonu ai te kakara i roto i te whare, hei whakapai mo te whare mo te manuhiri, hei hongihongi hoki ma ratou (T. 192).
Williams Dictionary
