waif

waif · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child.

  2. 2.

    A very thin or slight person, especially a young woman or child.

  3. 3.

    (Legal, historical) A piece of property found without an owner.

Forms

plural: waifs

Related words

See also: orphan, stray, urchin
Synonyms: foundling, orphan, stray, urchin

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman French waif, probably from Old Norse veif meaning "something waving or flapping." Originally a legal term for ownerless property, the meaning extended to homeless people.