Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 470:

"Besides that, for such shining service done,
A splendid claim, he reckoned, would arise
For `<i>utu</i>'—compensation or reward."

1873. H. Carleton, `Life of Henry Williams,' p. 79:

"Blood for blood, or at least blood money, is Maori law. Better the blood of the innocent than none at all, is a recognised maxim of the Maori law of utu."

V

<hw>Vandemonian</hw>, <i>n</i>. and <i>adj</i>. belonging to Van Diemen's land, the old name of Tasmania; generally used of the convicts of the early days; and the <i>demon</i> in the word is a popular application of the law of Hobson-Jobson. Now obsolete.

1852. G. C. Mundy, `Our Antipodes,' (edition 1855), p. 533:

"The Van Diemonians, as they unpleasingly call themselves, or permit themselves to be called, are justly proud of their horse-flesh."

1853. S. Sidney, `Three Colonies of Australia' (2nd edit.), p. 171:

"One of the first acts of the Legislative Assemblies created by the Australian Reform Bill of 1850 was to pass . . . acts levelled against Van Diemonian expirees."