Meaning of waif in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /weɪf/

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  1. Noun

    waif

    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

    Definitions

    1. a homeless child especially one forsaken or orphaned

    Examples

    • « street children beg or steal in order to survive »

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