A waif (from the Old French guaif, 'stray beast') [1] is a person removed, by hardship, loss or other helpless circumstance, from their original surroundings. The most common usage of the word is to designate a homeless, forsaken or orphaned child, or someone whose appearance is …

The meaning of WAIF is a stray person or animal; especially : a homeless child. Did you know?

WAIF definition: 1. a child or animal without a home or enough food and care, usually thin and dirty in appearance…. Learn more.

a person, especially a child, who has no home or friends. something found, especially a stray animal, whose owner is not known. a very thin, often small person, usually a young woman. to …

In contrast to street urchins or ragamuffins, waifs are generally seen as wholly innocent victims of their situation. This fact may explain why waifs make such compelling literary protagonists. …

If you refer to a child or young woman as a waif, you mean that they are very thin and look as if they have nowhere to live.

Define waif. waif synonyms, waif pronunciation, waif translation, English dictionary definition of waif. n. 1. a. A homeless person, especially a forsaken or orphaned child. b. An abandoned young animal. 2. A person, especially a young woman, who is thin or...

What does the word waif mean? There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the word waif , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of waif noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A person without home or friends; esp., a homeless child. A stray animal. Anything found by chance that is without an owner. A person, especially a young woman, who is thin or gaunt. A …