paepae

noun

pae·​pae

ˈpīˌpī

plural -s

1

: a usually large stone platform (as of basalt) rising appreciably above ground level and used as the foundation for many Polynesian houses or other buildings

2

: a usually extensive flagged pavement typically used in Polynesia in areas in front of some edifices (as temples)

Word History

Etymology

Marquesan, Tahitian, Hawaiian, Samoan, & Tongan

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