XI. Wait·vi To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary till the arrival of some person or event; to rest in patience; to Stay; not to depart.
wait
¦ verb
1. stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or occurrence.
be delayed or deferred.
informal defer (a meal) until a person's arrival.
[usu. as noun waiting] park a vehicle for a short time at the side of a road.
2. (wait on/upon) act as an attendant to.
archaic pay a respectful visit to.
3. act as a waiter or waitress.
¦ noun
1. a period of waiting.
2. (waits) archaic street singers of Christmas carols.
historical official bands of musicians maintained by a city or town.
Phrases
in wait watching for an enemy or potential victim and preparing to attack them.
Origin
ME: from Old North. Fr. waitier, of Gmc origin; related to wake1.