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

Taken or left in place of another; changed.

Fairies’child, ugly and crafty, left in a cradle instead of a human baby who has been robbed by the fairy to be brought up with their people.

a child secretly exchanged for another in infancy

a baby switched at birth by fairies, who steal a human infant and leave one of their own in its place

a child substituted for another, usually at birth

a creature from various european legends known to steal human children, replacing them with their own

a creature of identity, and therefore has a natural drive to learn about their own origins

a fairy child who takes the place of a human baby who the fairies think is being fussed over too much

a small, monstrous child said to be left by the elves after abducting the human child of the mother

In European folklore and folk belief, a changeling is the offspring of a fairy, troll, elf or other legendary creature that has been secretly left in the place of a human child. The apparent changeling could also be a stock, an animated piece of wood that would soon appear to die. Other claimed changelings would be identified by their wizened appearance, voracious appetite, malicious temper, inability to move, and other unpleasant traits.Carole B.