Change"ling, n. [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.
Shak.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Change"ling, a.
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 1913.