n.
Pronunciation: ' w ā f
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English weif, waif, from Anglo-French, from waif, adjective, stray, unclaimed, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping, veifa to be in movement ― more at WIPE
Date: 14th century
1 a : a piece of property found (as washed up by the sea) but unclaimed b plural : stolen goods thrown away by a thief in flight
2 a : something found without an owner and especially by chance b : a stray person or animal especially : a homeless child
– waif · ish \ ' w ā -fish \ adjective
– waif · like \ ' w ā f- ˌ l ī k \ adjective