whakawai. 1. v.t. Practise the use of weapons, etc. Kua uru ki nga whakawai riri (J. xx, 18).
2. Divert, amuse. He whakawai tānga moko (M. 57). Ka whakawaia te tupapaku ana taia ki te moko, ka waiatatia kei rongo i te mamae o te uhi.
3. Entice, beguile. Aua e whakarongo ki tana mahi whakawai.
4. v.i. Wave, flap. Te kereru ra e whakawai nei (M. cv).
5. n. A saying. Koia ka aranga te whakawai nei. = pepeha.
Williams Dictionary
whakawai, n. Jamb of a doorway or window in a whare. ‖ J. v, 146. Also applied to the carved slabs supporting the lower ends of the maihi.
Williams Dictionary
