Otaheite

English

Etymology

From (misinterpretation of) Tahitian 'o Tahiti.

Proper noun

Otaheite

1. (obsolete) Tahiti. [18th c.]
   • 1791, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Oxford, published 2008, page 525:

     The custom of eating dogs at Otaheite being mentioned, Goldsmith observed, that this was also a custom in China […] .

Adjective

Otaheite (comparative more Otaheite, superlative most Otaheite)

1. (now only in compound terms) Tahitian. [from 18th c.]
   • 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXXVII, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 175:

     ...and two Otaheite princes, nearly seven feet, swathed in white calico, with naked arms and legs, would stand on each side, holding a laurel crown over the heads of the fair cherubs, with a massive club in their right hands, threatening destruction to all who approached.

Derived terms

• Otaheite apple
• Otaheite arrowroot
• Otaheite cane
• Otaheite gooseberry
• Otaheite orange
• Otaheite plum

Noun

Otaheite (uncountable)

1. (obsolete) The Tahitian language. [18th c.]
   • 1774, Frances Burney, Journals & Letters, Penguin 2001, 1 December:

     I found Omai seated on the Great Chair, and my Brother next to him, and talking Otaheite as fast as possible.

2. (obsolete, rare) A Tahitian. [19th c.]