from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Waft \Waft\, n.
1. A wave or current of wind. "Everywaft of the air."
--Longfellow.
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In this dire season, oft the whirlwind's wing
Sweeps up the burden of whole wintry plains
In one wide waft. --Thomson.
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2. A signal made by waving something, as a flag, in the air.
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3. An unpleasant flavor. [Obs.]
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4. (Naut.) A knot, or stop, in the middle of a flag. [Written
also {wheft}.]
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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."
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