tabu

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

tabu
    adj 1: forbidden to profane use especially in South Pacific
           islands [syn: {taboo}, {tabu}]
    2: excluded from use or mention; "forbidden fruit"; "in our
       house dancing and playing cards were out"; "a taboo subject"
       [syn: {forbidden}, {out(p)}, {prohibited}, {proscribed},
       {taboo}, {tabu}, {verboten}]
    n 1: a prejudice (especially in Polynesia and other South
         Pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of
         something because of its sacred nature [syn: {taboo},
         {tabu}]
    2: an inhibition or ban resulting from social custom or
       emotional aversion [syn: {taboo}, {tabu}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Taboo \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}.]
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Taboo \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}.]
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Taboo \Ta*boo"\, a. [Written also {tabu} and {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 Suppl.]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tabu \Ta*bu"\, n. & v.
   See {Taboo}.
   [1913 Webster]