comb. Form in names of trees with pliant branches (wych-alder; wych-elm). [old english, = bending]

adj. (-ier, -iest) slang crazy. [originally dial., = left-handed]

n. - long-legged water-bird that wades.

- (in pl.) High waterproof boots.

n. - very thin light crisp sweet biscuit.

- disc of unleavened bread used in the eucharist.

- disc of red paper stuck on a legal document instead of a seal. [anglo-french wafre from germanic]

adj. In regular paid employment.

n. & v. = *bet. [anglo-french: related to *wage]

n. (also waggon) 1 four-wheeled vehicle for heavy loads.

- railway vehicle, esp. An open truck.

- tea trolley. on the wagon (or water-wagon) slang teetotal. [dutch: related to *wain]

and strays n.pl. - homeless or neglected children.

- odds and ends.

n. - a part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips; narrower middle part of the normal human figure. B circumference of this.

- narrow middle of a violin, wasp, etc.

- a part of a garment encircling the waist. B us blouse, bodice.

- part of a ship between the forecastle and the quarterdeck. waisted adj. (also in comb.). [old english: related to *wax2]

v. (-ving) refrain from insisting on or using (a right, claim, opportunity, etc.). [anglo-french weyver: related to *waif]