Waif, n.

n. [Norm. Fr. weif, wef, O. Fr. gaif, chose gaive, L. Lat. wayfium, res vaivæ, from waive, wave, q. v.]

1. (Eng. Law.) Goods found of which the owner is not known. These were originally such goods as a thief, when pursued, threw away to prevent being apprehended. They belong to the king unless the owner makes fresh suit of the felon, takes him, and brings him to justice. Blackstone.
2. Hence, any thing found, or without an owner; that which comes along, as it were, by chance.