Definition of "marae" [marae]

• A Polynesian sacred altar or enclosure (noun)
• The courtyard of a Maori wharenui or meeting-house and the buildings around it (noun)

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• "The marae is the forum or place of public assembly -- an open circular space, surrounded by bread-fruit trees, under the shade of which the people sit."
• "In the rear of the marae was the ossary where the bones of the victims were thrown."
• "TWoA Pouhere (chief executive) Bentham Ohia said the marae was the catalyst for a revolution in tertiary education provision - especially for Maori."