2. (verb) (-tia) to name a child using special ritual karakia called tūā, baptise.
Whānau mai ana a Kepa ka tūātia hei Ringatū (TTR 1998:34). / When Kepa was born he was baptised into the Ringatū faith.
Synonyms: iriiri, whakaingoa, tapanga
3. (noun) ritual chants for protection including to facilitate childbirth, in the naming of infants, to ward off illness, catch birds and bring about fine weather.
He karakia anō mō Tāwhirimātea, he tūā mō te rangi (NM 1928:5) / There were ritual chants for Tāwhiri-mātea and ritual chants for the weather.
