n. [ Change + -ling. ] 1. One who, or that which, is left or taken in the place of another, as a child exchanged by fairies. [ 1913 Webster ]

Such, men do changelings call, so changed by fairies' theft. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

The changeling [ a substituted writing ] never known. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A simpleton; an idiot. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Changelings and fools of heaven, and thence shut out. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wildly we roam in discontent about. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One apt to change; a waverer. “Fickle changelings.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Taken or left in place of another; changed. “A little changeling boy.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Given to change; inconstant. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Some are so studiously changeling. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]