changeling
/ˈtʃeɪn(d)ʒlɪŋ/noun
High SchoolNot in standard dictionaries
1
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
A person or object (especially when regarded as inferior) secretly exchanged for something else.
3
An infant secretly exchanged with another infant deliberately or by mistake; a swapling.
4
An organism which can change shape to mimic others; a shape-shifter.
5
A person apt to change their loyalty or thinking; a waverer.
6
An idiot, a simpleton.
Thesaurus
#archaic#informal#obsolete#rare