Words: waif [MW]

Pronunciation: 'wAf
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old North French, adjective, lost, unclaimed, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse veif something flapping, veifa to be in movement -- more at WIPE
1 a : a piece of property found (as washed up by the sea) but unclaimed b plural : stolen goods thrown away by a thief in flight
2 a : something found without an owner and especially by chance b : a stray person or animal; especially : a homeless child