waif, we if

& a. [O. French waif, gaif =athing lost and not claimed, from Icel. veif = anything flapping about, as the fin of a seal; verfa =to snake, to vibrate.] [WAFF, WAIVE.] A. As substantive: I. Ordinary Language: 1. Anything found astray or lying without an owner; anything blown by the wind or drifted in by the ocean; a thing preserved or coming as by chance; a stray or odd piece or article. 2. A wanderer; a poor, neglected, homele wretch. II. Law : 4443 1. Goods of which the owner is not known. 2. Such goods as a thief, when pursued, throws away to prevent being apprehended. They belong to the state, unle the owner takes the nece ary steps for prosecuting and convicting the thief. B. As adj .: Vagabond, worthle , ignoble, mean. ( Scotch .) Waifs and strays: The homele poor. IMG:content-0608.png:[blocks in formation] "For that a waift, the which by fortune came Upon your seas, he claim'd as proper tie." Spenser: F. Q., IV. xii. 31.