ariki
/ˈɑːrɪki
/noun (plural same or arikis) NZ
A Maori chief or high priest: the ariki wear a feathered cloak on special marae occasions...
- Nothing perhaps evidences this better than the four great chiefs or ariki.
- He was designated as our admired ariki.
- This ensured no less than the maintenance of the tapu or sacred status of ariki, chiefs and people of rank.
Origin
Mid 19th century: Maori.