Waits for something or someone; stays in expectation of a future event. Remains in readiness for something that is expected to happen.
From Old French awaiter, a compound of 'a-' (to) plus 'waitier' (to watch or guard). Originally meant to watch for someone with hostile intent, but softened over time to mean patient expectation. Related to 'ambush' through the same root.
This word originally had a sinister meaning - it meant to lie in wait for someone, like a bandit waiting to ambush travelers! The shift from 'waiting to attack' to 'waiting hopefully' shows how language can completely flip the emotional tone of a concept over centuries.
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