Definition: A waif is a type of child who has been abandoned or left behind, often due to neglect or abuse. These children are typically considered orphaned and are not eligible for adoption as they cannot be adopted by their biological parents. Waifs can vary in age from infants to teenagers, but they may also be younger than 12 years old. Waifs are often referred to as "children of the world" because many people believe that these children have been abandoned or mistreated and therefore deserve