waif etymology

Etymology

The word "waif" comes from the Middle English word "waif," which itself derives from the Old French word "gaif" or "waif," meaning "stray" or "abandoned." The term was originally used to describe stray animals, but over time it came to be applied to people, particularly those who were abandoned or homeless.

Meaning

A waif is a person, typically a child, who has been abandoned or lost and is without a guardian or protector. Waifs are often depicted as vulnerable, innocent, and in need of care and protection.

Origin

The concept of a waif has been prevalent in literature and folklore for centuries. In many cultures, waifs are seen as symbols of innocence, vulnerability, and the need for compassion. The term has also been used to describe orphans, street children, and other marginalized individuals.

waif relate terms

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • stray

    Etymology Stray derives from Middle English straien meaning to wander or to stra

  • waif

    Etymology The word waif comes from the Middle English word waif which itself derives

  • waifish

    Etymology The word waifish comes from the following sources Old English wafunge

  • waif

    Etymology The word waif comes from the Middle English word waif which itself derives

  • gimlet

    Etymology The word gimlet is derived from the Old French word guimbelet which means

  • gimp

    Etymology The word GIMP is an acronym that stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program

  • vibrant

    Etymology The word vibrant comes from the Latin word vibrare which means to quiver

  • vibrate

    Etymology Latin vibrare meaning to quiver shake or swing Indo European root

  • vibration

    Etymology From Middle English vibracioun from Old French vibracion from Latin vibrāt

  • vibrato

    Etymology Italian vibrato from vibrare to vibrate oscillate Latin vibrare from v

  • vibrissa

    Etymology Vibrissa is derived from the Latin word vibrissa which means vibrat ing

  • waif

    Etymology The word waif comes from the Middle English word waif which itself derives

  • waive

    Etymology Old French waiver weyver Late Latin waiviare Frankish waihan to abandon

  • waiver

    Etymology Middle English weyver from Anglo Norman French weyver from Old Norman Fren

  • whip

    Etymology of Whip The word whip originates from the Old English word hweopan which m

  • wimple

    Etymology The word wimple comes from the Middle English word wimplen which is deriv

  • wipe

    Etymology The word wipe has an uncertain etymology Possible Origins Old English

  • waive

    Etymology Old French waiver weyver Late Latin waiviare Frankish waihan to abandon

  • minor

    Etymology The word minor originates from the comparative form of the Latin adjective

  • child

    Etymology The word child is derived from the Old English word cild which is itself

  • street

    Street Etymology Street etymology refers to the informal folk explanation of the origin

  • squander

    Etymology Middle English scaterin scateren Old English scaterian Proto Germanic sk

  • fine

    Etymology The word fine comes from the Latin word finis meaning boundary or end

  • nervous

    Etymology The word nervous comes from the Latin word nervus meaning sinew or ner