Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Changeling
Change′ling
,Noun.
[
Change
+ -ling
.] 1.
One who, or that which, is left or taken in the place of another, as a child exchanged by fairies.
Such, men do
changelings
call, so changed by fairies’ theft. Spenser.
The
changeling
[a substituted writing] never known. Shakespeare
2.
A simpleton; an idiot.
Macaulay.
Changelings
and fools of heaven, and thence shut out. Wildly we roam in discontent about.
Dryden.
3.
One apt to change; a waverer.
“Fickle changelings.” Shak.
Change′ling
,Adj.
1.
Taken or left in place of another; changed.
“A little changeling boy.” Shak.
2.
Given to change; inconstant.
[Obs.]
Some are so studiously
changeling
. Boyle.
Webster 1828 Edition
Changeling
CHANGELING
,Noun.
1.
A child left or taken in the place of another.2.
An idiot; a fool.3.
One apt to change; a waverer.4.
Any thing changed and put in the place of another.