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Changeling - What does it mean?

changeling | |

changeling

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • (mythology) In British, Irish and Scandinavian mythology, an infant of a fairy, sprite or troll that the creature has secretly exchanged for a human infant.
  • (informal, rare) An infant secretly exchanged with another infant; swapling.
  • (science fiction, and, fantasy) An organism which can change shape to mimic others.
  • (obsolete) A simpleton; an idiot.
    • (Macaulay)
  • * Dryden
    • Changelings and fools of heaven, and thence shut out.
  • (obsolete) One apt to change; a waverer.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Fickle changelings .

    Synonyms

    * (sense, fairy's child) oaf (obsolete) * (being that can change shape) shape-shifter * (a child exchanged for another)

    Not English

    has no English definition. It may be misspelled.