foundling

[ found-ling ]

noun

1. an infant or small child found abandoned; a child without a known parent or guardian.

foundling

/ ˈfaʊndlɪŋ /

noun

1. an abandoned infant whose parents are not known

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundling¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, foundling is from the Middle English word found(e)ling. See found ², -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundling¹

C13: foundeling ; see find

Example Sentences

But not everyone agrees with the use of the modern foundling wheel.

From The Daily Beast

It is true that the parents so provided think more of the twenty-five francs than they do of the foundling.

From Project Gutenberg

The little blue placard hung over the cot, as in the foundling hospitals, states the child's nationality: "Moldo, Wallachian."

From Project Gutenberg

The Foundling Hospital is another of the public institution of which the people are justly proud.

From Project Gutenberg

Much in the same way many a modern maiden places her shame-covered infant in the turn-table of a foundling institution.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps he himself had been a foundling laid on the doorstep long ago, belonging neither to his mother nor to anyone else.

From Project Gutenberg