/chaynj"ling/ , n.
1. a child surreptitiously or unintentionally substituted for another.
2. (in folklore) an ugly, stupid, or strange child left by fairies in place of a pretty, charming child.
3. Philately. a postage stamp that, by accident or intention, has been chemically changed in color.
4. Archaic.
a. a renegade or turncoat.
b. an imbecile.
[ 1545-55; CHANGE + -LING 1 ]