[-ING1.]
1. The action of WAFT v.1; esp. † the action of convoying or of transporting by sea (obs.).
1559. Gresham, in Burgon, Life (1839), I. 263. [He recommends that Queen Elizabeth should send] three or four of her best ships of war that are out, for the sure waifting of this munition and armour.
1577. Harrison, England, II. xiii. 87 b/1, in Holinshed. [He] employed them [sc. his ships] whollye to the waftyng in and out of our marchauntes.
1651. Jer. Taylor, Holy Dying, iii. § 4 (1676), 74. So I have seen the rays of the Sun or Moon dash upon a brazen vessel…; but being turned back and sent off with its smooth pretences or rougher waftings, it wandred about the room.
1667. Milton, P. L., XII. 435. A death like sleep, A gentle wafting to immortal Life.
2. Something wafted or carried by the wind.
1878. Susan Phillips, On Seaboard, 178. And the wild north winds of the winter’s day Bring keen fresh waftings from the far-off seas.
