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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

wafter en · NOUN · etymology 1

Pronunciation

  • /ˈwɒftə(ɹ)/

Etymology

Alteration of Middle English waughter, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German wachter (“a guard”), from wachten (“to guard”).

Meanings

  1. (obsolete) Armed convoy or escort ship
  2. (obsolete) An agent of the Crown with responsibility for protecting specific maritime activities, such as shipping or fishing.

Forms

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wafters Number=Plur lexicographic

wafter en · NOUN · etymology 2

Pronunciation

  • /ˈwɒftə(ɹ)/

Etymology

From waft + -er.

Meanings

  1. One who, or that which, wafts.
    • Thou wafter of the soul to bliss or bane. 1616–1619 (first performance), John Fletcher, “The Mad Lover”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1647, →OCLC, Act IV, scene i:
  2. A semi-bouyant hookbait designed to waft just above the lakebed.

Forms

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wafters Number=Plur lexicographic