tā
1. (noun) quill (of a feather), feather.
Kia ai he tā kōtuku ki roto o te nohoanga pahī, kia tau ai (W 1971:354). / Let there be a white heron feather in the assembly so that all may be well. (A whakataukī in which the white heron feather refers to a chief being present to maintain an orderly meeting in which useful discussions can take place.)
Synonyms: tuaka
2. (noun) stalk, stem (of a plant).
3. (noun) shin.
Me mau pare ngā tāngata e purei hōkī ana hei tiaki i ō rātou tā. / People playing hockey should wear protection for their shins.
Synonyms: tupehau, tāhau, kauangāwai
