1. a homeless, neglected, or abandoned person, especially a child
2. something found without an owner or something that appears to be lost or abandoned
Usage: legal

Examples

• The charity helps waifs living on the streets.
• She looked like a waif in her oversized clothes.
• The novel tells the story of a young waif searching for his family.
• Stray cats and other waifs gathered around the shelter.
• The waif was taken in by a kind family.
• Legal authorities must handle waifs and strays found on public property.