Foundling

Origin

found + -ling

Full definition of foundling

Noun

1. An abandoned child, left by its parent(s), often a baby left at a convent or similar safe place.
• 1749, Henry Fielding, .
• 1776, Adam Smith, ,In foundling hospitals, and among the children brought up by parish charities, the mortality is still greater than among those of the common people.
• 1794, Thomas Paine, (Part I),Moses was a foundling; Jesus Christ was born in a stable; and Mahomet was a mule driver.

Derived terms

• foundling wheel

Anagrams

• unfolding