Waif
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Kinney (1893), Anderson (1889)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
An article abandoned by a thief in flight. See 36 ' N. J. L. 235.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Waifs are goods found, but claimed by nobody; that of which every one waives the claim. Also, goods stolen and waived or thrown away by the thief In his flight, for fear of being apprehended. Wharton. Waifs are to be distinguished from bona fugitiva, which are the goods of the felon himself, which he abandons in his flight from justice. Brown. See Pcople v. Kaatz, 3 Parker, Cr. R. (N. Y.) 138; Hall v. Gilder-sleeve, 36 N. J. Law, 237.
A Law Dictionary and Glossary
George C. Kinney · 1893
waife, wayf, wayfe, weyfe.
In English law. A thing stolen, which is thrown away by the thief in his flight, for fear of being apprehended.
A Dictionary of Law
William C. Anderson · 1889
Waifs, bona waviata, were goods stolen and thrown away by the thief in his flight, from fear of being apprehended. If the party robbed did not recover the goods first, they were forfeited to the king, to punish the owner for not pursuing the felon.'