n. & v.
--n.
1. a lump or bundle of soft material used esp. to keep things apart or in place or to stuff up an opening.
2 a disc of felt etc. keeping powder or shot in place in a gun.
3 a number of banknotes or documents placed together.
4 Brit. sl. a bun, sandwich, etc.
5 (in sing. or pl.) a large quantity esp. of money.
--v.tr. (wadded, wadding)
1. stop up (an aperture or a gun-barrel) with a wad.
2 keep (powder etc.) in place with a wad.
3 line or stuff (a garment or coverlet) with wadding.
4 protect (a person, walls, etc.) with wadding.
5 press (cotton etc.) into a wad or wadding.
Etymology: perh. rel. to Du. watten, F ouate padding, cotton wool