tītahataha
1. (verb) (-tia) to sway from side to side, roll from side to side.
Kua kaha haere te ngaru o te moana. Kua tīmata te tūpoupou, te tītahataha, me te wiri o te haere a 'Te Arahura' (HP 1991:36). / The waves of the sea strengthened. The 'Arahura' began pitching, rolling from side to side and shuddering.
2. (verb) (-tia) to be indirect, prevaricate, beat about the bush.
He tangata kāore i tītahataha te kōrero, i huna rānei i te whakaaro, ā, ahakoa te kaikiri kē o ētahi o te hunga e whakarongo ana, i te mutunga mai, ngākau pono kē ana rātou ki a ia (TTR 2000:47). / He was a person who did not prevaricate or hide his real thoughts, even to hostile audiences and as a result they were convinced of his sincerity.
3. (modifier) prevaricating, beating about the bush.
E riri ana ahau mō te mahi tītahataha. E kore au e huna. Ka kōrero aroaro au ki a koe (TWMNT 22/5/1872:74). / I am angry about the prevarication. I will never hide. I will speak face to face with you.
