driftling

English

Etymology

From drift +‎ -ling.

Noun

driftling (plural driftlings)

1. One who is carried about, drifts, or wanders aimlessly; a drifter; wanderer; traveller.
   • 1888, Edward Doyle, Moody moments: poems - Page 56:

     The low note is the voice Of the Spirit, God, Love, Saying. "Driftling! rejoice, There is harbor Above."

   • 1999, Kinahan Cornwallis, Two Journeys to Japan, 1856-7 - Page 60:

     The fact of their existence at Nagasaki having been communicated to the American commissioner at Canton, the sloop of war, Preble, was dispatched to bring away these driftlings. She arrived off the harbour of Nagasaki on the 17th of April.