"Behind the pair stands the boy's mother holding her `yam-stick' erect, resting on the ground."
1882. A. Tolmer, `Reminiscences,' vol. ii. p. 101:
"The natives dig these roots with the yam-stick, an indispensable implement with them made of hard wood, about three feet in length, thick at one end and edged; it is likewise used amongst the aboriginal tribes of South Australia, like the waddy, as a weapon of offence."
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Squatter's Dream,' c. iii. p. 31:
"Why, ole Nanny fight you any day with a yam-stick."
<hw>Yama</hw>, <i>n</i>. aboriginal name for a tree; probably a variant of <i>Yarrah</i> (q.v.).
1838. T. L. Mitchell, `Three Expeditions,' vol. ii. p. 54:
"The `Yama,' a species of the eucalyptus inhabiting the immediate banks, grew here, as on the Darling, to a gigantic size. . . . The `yama' is certainly a pleasing object, in various respects; its shining bark and lofty height inform the traveller at a distance of the presence of water; or at least the bed of a river or lake."
<hw>Yan Yean</hw>, <i>n</i>. the reservoir from which Melbourne obtains its water supply: hence commonly used for water from the tap.
1871. Dogberry Dingo, `Australian Rhymes and jingles,' p. 8: