weif

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman waif, from Old Norse veif (“flag”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /wæi̯f/

Noun

weif (plural weifs)

  1. Unowned goods; property lacking an owner:
    1. A waif; a castaway or vagabond.
    2. An unowned specimen of livestock.
  2. The privilege of being able to take in such goods.
  3. The money deriving from selling unowned goods.

Descendants

  • English: waif
  • Scots: waith, waff

References

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