tau
1. (noun) string (of a garment, etc.), loop or thong (of a patu).
2. (noun) tie, fastening, string, cord (of a bag, etc.).
I whaohia ā rāua kupu ki roto i taua pūtea, nō te paunga ki roto kātahi ka kumea te tau, kātahi ka rōpine mai ā rāua kupu ki te tangere o te pūtea, ka takoto i konā mō āke tonu atu (TPH 30/3/1901:3). / Their words were placed in that bag and once inside the tie was pulled and then their words were close together in the bottom of the bag where they lie forever.