Waif Word Meaning

Etymology:

late Middle English: from an Anglo-Norman French variant of Old Northern French gaif, probably of Scandinavian origin. Early use was often in waif and stray, as a legal term denoting a piece of property found and, if unclaimed, falling to the lord of the manor

Audio Pronunciation:

Definition:

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

Short Definition:

homeless, neglected, or abandoned person

Examples:

• she is foster mother to various waifs and strays