waif
A waif is a noun referring to a person, typically a young person, who appears neglected, thin, and in need of care or protection. The term originally emerged in early modern English as a variant of “wayf,” deriving from the word wayfare meaning to travel. Historically the term was used to describe a stray or orphaned child, and later it broadened to denote a frail or feeble figure, often with an implication of vulnerability.
In literature and the arts the concept of a waif is frequently employed as a stock image
The usage of waif has entered modern popular culture through manga, anime, and video games, where characters
Common synonyms include orphan, vagrant, wounded, and vulnerable child, though each carries distinct connotations. The term