waif

https://archive.org/details/mobydickorwhale01melv/page/440/mode/1up page 440 The allusion to waifs and waif-poles in the last chapter but one, necessitates some account of the laws and regulations of the whale fishery, of which the waif may be deemed the grand symbol and badge. […] https://archive.org/details/mobydickorwhale01melv/page/441/mode/1up page 441 [A] fish is technically fast when it bears a waif, or any other recognised symbol of possession; so long as the party waifing it plainly evince their ability at any time to take it alongside, as well as their intention to do so.