Otaheitan

English

Alternative forms

• Otaheitean

Etymology

From Otaheite +‎ -an.

Noun

Otaheitan (plural Otaheitans)

1. (obsolete) A Tahitian. [18th–19th c.]

Adjective

Otaheitan (comparative more Otaheitan, superlative most Otaheitan)

1. (now rare, historical) Tahitian. [from 18th c.]
   • 1810, Lucy Aikin, Epistles on Women:

     Whether in Otaheitan groves accurst, / Or Europe's polisht scenes the fiend be nurst.

   • 2004, Julie Peakman, Lascivious Bodies, Atlantic Books, published 2005, page 127:

     [A]pparently Sandwich's Otaheitean servant, Omiah, had frequently observed the familiarities between the lovers and, although mute, reported the events in gestures and signs to Lord Sandwich who then threatened to cut her off.