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?
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.
Speed the soft intercourse from soul to soul,And waft a sigh from Indus to the pole.
3. To cause to float; to keep from sinking; to buoy. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.[1913 Webster]
&hand_; This verb is regular; but waft was formerly som&unr_;times used, as by Shakespeare, instead of wafted.[1913 Webster]
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.
Waft, n. 1. A wave or current of wind. “Everywaft of the air.” Longfellow.[1913 Webster]
In this dire season, oft the whirlwind's wingSweeps up the burden of whole wintry plainsIn one wide waft.
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]
&hand_; 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]