The New International Encyclopædia/Waifs

WAIFS (OF. waif, gueyf, gaif, from Icel. Veif, flapping or moving thing, from veifa, to vibrate, waver; connected with Goth, bi-waibjān, OHG. weibön, to waver). In English law, stolen goods which are thrown away or abandoned by a thief on being pursued. Such goods belong to the Crown, but this prerogative is usually waived if the true owner diligently endeavors to prosecute the thief. The owner may reclaim stolen goods under such circumstances in the United States. See Bishop on Criminal Law.