manaia
English
Etymology
Borrowed from Maori manaia.
Noun
manaia (plural manaias)
- A bird-headed mythological creature and symbol of protection in Māori mythology.
Maori
Etymology
Cognate to Niuean fakamanaia and Samoan fa'amanaia, with the original meaning of "decoration".
Noun
manaia
- a manaia (a figure often seen in art, generally depicted as a man with a bird's head)
- a seahorse
Samoan
Noun
manaia
- ceremonial household heir apparent