I. ˈwāf 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 ˈwā-fish adjective
• waif·like ˈwāf-ˌlīk adjective
II. noun
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping
Date: 1530
: waft 4