E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tabooed.
Devoted. Forbidden. This is a Polynesian term, and means consecrated or set apart. Like the Greek anathema, the Latin sacer, the French sacre, etc., the word has a double meaning—one to consecrate, and one to incur the penalty of violating the consecration. (See TAPU.)
