\Waft\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Wafted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Wafting}.] [Prob. originally imp. & p. p. of wave, v. t. See
{Wave} to waver.]
1. To give notice to by waving something; to wave the hand
   to; to beckon. [Obs.]
         But soft: who wafts us yonder?        --Shak.
2. To cause to move or go in a wavy manner, or by the impulse
   of waves, as of water or air; to bear along on a buoyant
   medium; as, a balloon was wafted over the channel.
         A gentle wafting to immortal life.    --Milton.
         Speed the soft intercourse from soul to soul, And
         waft a sigh from Indus to the pole.   --Pope.
3. To cause to float; to keep from sinking; to buoy. [Obs.]
   --Sir T. Browne.
Note: This verb is regular; but waft was formerly som?times
      used, as by Shakespeare, instead of wafted.

\Waft\, v. i.
To be moved, or to pass, on a buoyant medium; to float.
      And now the shouts waft near the citadel. --Dryden.

\Waft\, n.
1. A wave or current of wind. ``Everywaft of the air.''
   --Longfellow.
         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.''