tau‘ā, tau‘ā‘ā,

1. Fight (intr., as in a war, a fight, or tough competition), to quarrel or compete bitterly.

Kia roko‘ia atu rāua, tē tau‘ā‘ā ra.
They were fighting one another when they were overtaken;

I taua tau‘ā‘ā‘anga pukupukū ra i ‘inga ai rātou.
They were beaten in the mass attack;

‘E ngā tāngata tau‘ā‘ā putuputu.
Those two are always at each other’s throats;

E omai ana tetai tangata e taua ana maua.
Give me a man, that we may fight together (I Sam.17.10).

2. n. A fight, struggle.

Kua oti tā rāua tau‘ā‘ā, kua peke kiā Toma te rē.
They’ve finished fighting (or the contest), Toma won.
[Pn. *tau‘a.]