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.
4. (Naut.) A knot, or stop, in the middle of a flag. [Written also wheft.]
☞ 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.”