Main Entry: ¹waif

Pronunciation: \ˈwāf\

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 \ˈwā-fish\ adjective

— waif·like \ˈwāf-ˌlīk\ adjective