Wehewehe Wikiwiki Hawaiian language dictionaries

1. n., A native fern (Microlepia setosa), growing wild and cultivated, 95 to 130 cm high. The lacy, ovate fronds look much like those of the palaʻā but are somewhat hairy instead of smooth. (Neal 12.) The palai was one of the important plants placed on the hula altar to Laka, goddess of hula; it is famous in song (see wilia).

• Related:
  • Also: palapalai.
• References:
  • See ex. popohe.

2. vi., To turn the face away, as in embarrassment, confusion, humility; bashful; to conceal one's true feelings; to cloak dissatisfaction or feign friendship; hypocritical (Kel. 130) (often used with maka).

• Examples:
  • Hūnā palai iki ke akamai, to hide and conceal somewhat the cleverness.
• Related:
  • hoʻopalai Caus/sim.; To have turned the face away, to cause to turn away; ashamed, confused, etc.
    • E hilahila auaneʻi, a e hoʻopalai maka hoʻi ka poʻe (Isa. 41.11), the people shall be put to shame and confounded.

3. vt., To fry; frying, fried.

• Source:
  • English.
• Related:
  • Also: parai, farai.
  • Palaoa palai, pancake.