Also 6 wayver, weaver, 6–8 waiver. [Of obscure origin: the early forms do not favor derivation from WAVE v. Possibly f. WAIVE v.1, in the sense ‘to leave untouched.’] A young tree left standing when the surrounding wood is felled.
1555. Anc. Deed C 7700 (P.R.O.). The said Luke shall leave … standynge … all suche wayuers of oke and asshe that be vnder the compace of twelue ynches in thycknesse.
1590. W. West, Symbol., § 267 (§ 406). Except the land and soile of the same woodes and vnderwoodes, and also wayuers called standers of &c.
1595. Holmesfield Court Rolls, in Sheffield Gloss., s.v., That no persone or persons within this manor shall cutt vpp or carry away any of the lorde’s woodes … vpon payne of every burden of greene wood vj d. and every weaver xij d. and every burden of dry wood being hedgwood iiij d. Ibid. (1597), Every weaver or poole.
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, xxvii. 71. It is a very ordinary Copse which will not afford three or four Firsts, that is, Bests; fourteen Seconds; twelve Thirds; eight Wavers, &c. according to which proportions the sizes of young Trees in Copsing are to succeed one another.
1768. Waiver [see TILLER sb.3 2].
1800. J. Tuke, Agric. N. Riding Yorks., 186. Leaving at certain distances, when the timber and under-wood are cut down, the thriving young trees, which so left, are very properly called wavers, from their being agitated by every breeze.
1888. Sheffield Gloss.
