The Oxford Universal Dictionary defines "waif" as: A small flag used as a signal. Now naut.

However, I'm not sure how common this term was. In looking through pictures of whaling tools and implements, the only flag was called simply "boat flag." Also, I have never heard the term "harpoon lance" as these were two very different tools with very different purposes, ie, the harpoon, fluke or toggle, was what was first thrust in order to "hook" the whale, the lances used after to kill it.

But, I will email Joyce and Danny just to be sure -- Tom