Changeling

n. [From change and the dim. termination ling. It is said that this word originated in a superstitious opinion that fairies steal beautiful and intelligent children, and put others that are ugly and stupid in their places. Johnson.]

1Sense 1. A child left or taken in the place of another, as by fairies.

Such, men do changelings call, so changed by fairies' theft. Spenser.

2Sense 2. One lacking in intellect; a simpleton; an idiot; a natural. [Obs.]

Changelings and fools of heaven, and thence shut out, Wildly we roam in discontent about. Dryden.

3Sense 3. One apt to change; a waverer. “Fickle changelings.” Shak.

a. 1. Taken or left in place of another; changed. “A little changeling boy.” Shak. 2. Given to change; inconstant. [Obs.] “Studiously changeling.” Boyle.