Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

1. nvi. Leaf, frond, leaflet, greens; to leaf out.

• Related:
  • Lau is sometimes contracted to lā-, as lāʻī, lāʻie, lāʻō.
  • hoʻolau Caus/sim.; To grow leaves; to leaf out.
• References:
  • PPN lau.

2. n. Dragnet, seine, so called because formerly made of ti leaves (lau) tied to a rope.

• Related:
  • a. hoʻolau To use a lau.
  • b. hoʻolau A bundle of grass or ferns set in water to attract shrimps or ʻoʻopu fish; a net was placed under this bundle, and the fish shaken into it. PPN rau.
• References:
  • Cf. hukilau, lauahi, lauʻapoʻapo, laukō.

3. n. Sheet; surface; blade, as of grass.

• References:
  • Cf. lā- #2; lauahi, lauhoe, laulā, laumania, moena lau.

4. numeral, To be much, many; very many, numerous; four hundred.

• Examples:
  • Ahe lau makani, gentle winds, caressing.
  • Lau ā lau nā hōkū o ka lani, hundreds and hundreds of stars in the heaven.
  • Lau lena ka pua o ka māmane, the māmane is yellow with blossoms.
• Related:
  • hoʻolau Caus/sim.; To make numerous; to assemble, as of numerous persons or animals; numerous.
• References:
  • Cf. kini, mano.
  • PPN rau.

5. n. Pattern, as for quilts; design; print of a cloth.

• Related:
  • Pāhoehoe lau, brocaded satin.

6. n. Thatched mountain hut, as used by farmers, canoe-makers, birdcatchers.

7. n. Tip, as of the tongue; top (probably related to wēlau and ʻēlau, tip). Lau make, death-dealing tip, as of a weapon.

• Examples:
  • Moe … i ka lau o ka lihilihi (Kep. 115), to doze; literally, sleep by the tip of the eyelash.

8. n. Sweet-potato slip or vine.