Kiore, n. 1. Rat, mouse. He nanakia aha to te kiore nanakia ? (T. 199). He ata marama, e kore ai e mau te kiore (P.). Kiore tuapuku, a variety of rat; also called hamua.
2. Hippocampus abdominalis, seahorse. Also kiore moana, kiore waitai. Te aio e kauia e te kiore (P.).
3. A pattern in carving. Kiri kiore, fine, close weaving.
4. Scout. Usually travelled in pairs before the vanguard, or toro. Ko nga toro o mua kia whai kiore, kia tokorua ki mua hei tirotiro haere … auaka aua kiore e haere tahi (Po.).
Williams Dictionary
