wafter

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈwɒftə(ɹ)/

Etymology 1

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

Noun

wafter (plural wafters)

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.

Etymology 2

waft +‎ -er.

Noun

wafter (plural wafters)

1. One who, or that which, wafts.
   • 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:

     Thou wafter of the soul to bliss or bane.