WAIF Meaning and
Definition
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A "waif" is primarily defined as a noun, referring to a person, typically a child, who is without a home or family; someone who is abandoned, neglected, or homeless. This term is commonly associated with individuals who are orphaned or have been separated from their families due to various circumstances such as war, poverty, or natural disasters. Waifs often struggle to find stability or support, forced to rely on charity or the goodwill of others for survival.
In an extended sense, "waif" can also describe an object or item that is found or has been discarded, suggesting a sense of abandonment or lack of ownership. For instance, a stray animal or an object floating at sea may be referred to as a "waif". This connotation emphasizes a sense of being adrift or unclaimed.
Furthermore, "waif" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who appears delicate, fragile, or lost in their emotional or psychological state. In this sense, it implies a person who may feel mentally neglected or disconnected, lacking a sense of belonging or purpose.
Overall, "waif" denotes a state of displacement, vulnerability, and abandonment. It encapsulates the plight of those who lack a stable home or family, as well as the sense of isolation and longing that often accompanies such circumstances.
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• Goods found whose owner is unknown; anything wandering at large without an owner; a thing found, as goods, but claimed by nobody; a worthless wanderer.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WAIF *
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Other Common Misspellings for WAIF
Etymology of WAIF
The word "waif" originated from the Old French term "waif" or "gueif", which meant "guilt" or "something thrown away". It derived from the Old French verb "waivre" meaning "to waive" or "to abandon". Over time, the meaning of "waif" evolved to refer to a child or anyone who had been abandoned or was found homeless. Since then, the term has been used to describe individuals, particularly children, who are without home or family.
Similar spelling words for WAIF
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