First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1waif
noun \ˈwāf\
Definition of WAIF
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
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Origin of WAIF
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
2waif
noun
Definition of WAIF
: waft 4
Origin of WAIF
perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping
First Known Use: 1530
WAIF Defined for Kids
waif
noun \ˈwāf\
Definition of WAIF for Kids
: a homeless child
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