Changeling — Defs

01 n. One who, or that which, is left or taken in the place of another, as a child exchanged by fairies.

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.
“Changelings and fools of heaven, and thence shut out. Wildly we roam in discontent about.” — Dryden.
3.
One apt to change; a waverer.

02 a. Taken or left in place of another; changed.

1.
Taken or left in place of another; changed.
2.
Given to change; inconstant.[Obs.]
“Some are so studiously changeling.” — Boyle.