Definition of "changeling" in English

noun

1. (European folklore, also figurative) In pre-modern European folklore: an infant of a magical creature that was secretly exchanged for a human infant. In British, Irish and Scandinavian mythology the exchanged infants were thought to be those of fairies, sprites or trolls; in other places, they were ascribed to demons, devils, or witches.

2. (by extension) A person or object (especially when regarded as inferior) secretly exchanged for something else.

3. (by extension, informal, rare) An infant secretly exchanged with another infant deliberately or by mistake; a swapling.

4. (fantasy, science fiction) An organism which can change shape to mimic others; a shape-shifter.

5. (archaic, also figurative) A person apt to change their loyalty or thinking; a waverer.

6. (obsolete) An idiot, a simpleton.

adjective

1. (archaic, rare) Changeable, fickle, inconstant, wavering.