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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Changeling

Chānge'ling, n.

noun

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.]

Sense 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.

Sense 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.

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

Change'ling, a.

adjective

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