Dictionary-Definition.com :: Waft definition

Definition of 'waft'

noun

A long flag; often tapering [syn: pennant, pennon, streamer, waft]

verb

Be driven or carried along, as by the air; "Sounds wafted into the room"

verb

Blow gently; "A breeze wafted through the door"

From: GCIDE

Waft \Waft\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Wafted; p. pr. & vb. n. Wafting.] [Prob. originally imp. & p. p. of wave, v. t. See Wave to waver.]
1. To give notice to by waving something; to wave the hand to; to beckon. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
But soft: who wafts us yonder? --Shak. [1913 Webster]
2. To cause to move or go in a wavy manner, or by the impulse of waves, as of water or air; to bear along on a buoyant medium; as, a balloon was wafted over the channel. [1913 Webster]
A gentle wafting to immortal life. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
Speed the soft intercourse from soul to soul, And waft a sigh from Indus to the pole. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
3. To cause to float; to keep from sinking; to buoy. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]
Note: This verb is regular; but waft was formerly som?times used, as by Shakespeare, instead of wafted. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Waft \Waft\, v. i. To be moved, or to pass, on a buoyant medium; to float. [1913 Webster]
And now the shouts waft near the citadel. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Waft \Waft\, n.
1. A wave or current of wind. "Everywaft of the air." --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]
In this dire season, oft the whirlwind's wing Sweeps up the burden of whole wintry plains In one wide waft. --Thomson. [1913 Webster]
2. A signal made by waving something, as a flag, in the air. [1913 Webster]
3. An unpleasant flavor. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
4. (Naut.) A knot, or stop, in the middle of a flag. [Written also wheft.] [1913 Webster]
Note: A flag with a waft in it, when hoisted at the staff, or half way to the gaff, means, a man overboard; at the peak, a desire to communicate; at the masthead, "Recall boats." [1913 Webster]