Ta*boo" (?), n.
A total prohibition of intercourse with, use of, or approach to, a given person or thing under pain of death, -- an interdict of religious origin and authority, formerly common in the islands of Polynesia; interdiction. [Written also tabu.]
© Webster 1913
Ta*boo", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tabooed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Tabooing.]
To put under taboo; to forbid, or to forbid the use of; to interdict approach to, or use of; as, to taboo the ground set apart as a sanctuary for criminals. [Written also tabu.]
© Webster 1913
Ta*boo" (?), a. [Written also tapu.] [Polynesian tabu, tapu, sacred, under restriction, a prohibition.]
Set apart or sacred by religious custom among certain races of Polynesia, New Zealand, etc., and forbidden to certain persons or uses; hence, prohibited under severe penalties; interdicted; as, food, places, words, customs, etc., may be taboo.
© Webster 1913