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Kanaka
[< Polynesian "man"]
Hist.
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
a native of the South Sea Islands, especially a Hawaiian in the service of the Hudson's Bay Co. on the Pacific Coast, most of whom settled in British Columbia.
See: Canuckmeaning 1a
Quotations
1829-1832
[[...] and that [was] again corroborated by the deceased calling out to the Kanackas to fire on the Canadians.]
1833
Our crew consisted of four Kanakas, stout fellows, who paddled lustily. . . .
1958
The Islands have been a haven to . . . naval deserters, Kanakas, remittance men . . . and everyday fishermen.