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waif

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waif

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 bplural : stolen goods thrown away by a thief in flight2 a: something found without an owner and especially by chance b: a stray person or animal ; especially : a homeless child

— waif·ish

Listen to the pronunciation of waifish

\ˈwā-fish\ adjective

— waif·like

Listen to the pronunciation of waiflike

\ˈwāf-ˌlīk\ adjective

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