alii

noun

äˈlēˌē
variants or ariki
äˈrē(ˌ)kē
 or arii
äˈrēˌē
plural alii or ariki or arii
: a Polynesian chief, noble, or king

Word History

Etymology

Hawaiian & Samoan ali'i, Maori & Rarotongan ariki, Tahitian ari'i

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alii was in 1825

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Dictionary Entries Near alii

aligreek

alii

aliipoe

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alii.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alii. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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