v. & n.
--v.tr. & intr. convey or travel easily as through air or over water; sweep smoothly and lightly along.
--n.
1. (usu. foll. by of) a whiff or scent.
2 a transient sensation of peace, joy, etc.
3 (also weft) Naut. a distress signal, e.g. an ensign rolled or knotted or a garment flown in the rigging.
Etymology: orig. 'convoy (ship etc.)', back-form. f. obs. waughter, wafter armed convoy-ship, f. Du. or LG wachter f. wachten to guard