waif /weɪf/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old North French ; Origin: (adjective), 'lost, unclaimed' , from a Scandinavian language ]
1 . someone, especially a child, who is pale and thin and looks as if they do not have a home
2 . waifs and strays British English children or animals who do not have a home:
She loved cats, and would take any waifs and strays into her home.