Dictionary

heiau en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈheɪaʊ/ (UK)

Etymology

From Hawaiian heiau.

Meanings

1. (Hawaii) A temple in traditional Hawaiian society.
   • They'd order lawbreakers put to death in fearsome ritualized killings that took place in a heiau, accompanied by beating drums and chants. 2012, Julia Flynn Siler, Lost Kingdom, Grove Press 2012, page xix:
   • The basalt was also piled to outline large squares in the ceremonial centres known as heiau'''s. 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society, published 2011, page 52:

Forms