Waft, n.
1. A wave or current of wind. “Everywaft of the air.”
In this dire season, oft the whirlwind's wing
Sweeps up the burden of whole wintry plains
In one wide waft. --Thomson.
2. A signal made by waving something, as a flag, in the air.
3. An unpleasant flavor. [Obs.]
4. Naut. A knot, or stop, in the middle of a flag. [Written also wheft.]
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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Wheft n.
1. Naut. See Waft, n., 4.
2. Naut. A kind of streamer or flag used either as a signal, or at the masthead for ornament or to indicate the direction of the wind to aid in steering.
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