Waif-like
Meaning
Describing someone or something that appears very thin, delicate, and often vulnerable, reminiscent of a neglected or abandoned child.
Origin
The word "waif" arrived in English from the Old French "guaif," meaning "ownerless goods." Initially, it was a legal term referring to lost property, like stray animals or items found without a claimant, which could then be claimed by the lord of the manor. By the 18th century, the term dramatically shifted, moving from inanimate objects and livestock to describe a lost, neglected, or abandoned child—someone utterly adrift and without a clear owner or protector. This poignant application immediately imbued "waif" with a sense of vulnerability, slightness, and often a fragile physical appearance. "Waif-like" then naturally emerged to describe anyone possessing these characteristics, evoking the delicate, often ethereal quality of a lost and vulnerable soul.
Examples
- Her waif-like figure was accentuated by the oversized sweater she wore, making her appear even smaller.
- Despite her waif-like appearance, the ballerina possessed surprising strength and resilience on stage.