Foundling

Definitions

An abandoned child, left by its parent(s), often a baby left at a convent or similar safe place.

Equivalents

Examples

“foundling hospital”

“In foundling hospitals, and among the children brought up by parish charities, the mortality is still greater than among those of the common people.”

“Moses was a foundling; Jesus Christ was born in a stable; and Mahomet was a mule driver.”

“[Owl:] YOU HEARD THAT FREMOUNT IS REALLY A^([sic]) ANT LION, MR. CONGERSMAN? [Frog:] IT'S A SAD BLOW⟳ TO THE PARTY JUST AT A TIME WHEN US OWLS MUST STICK⟳ TOGETHER. WORST PART IS, MRS. WEEVIL SAYS HER SISTER-AN'-LAW FOUND THE CANDIDATE IN A BOX OF POPCORN. [Owl:] AIN'T IT WORSE TO BE A CANNIBAL THAN A FOUNDLING? [Frog:] WE CAN SAY⟳ HE'S CHANGED HIS HABITS! BUT A FAMILY TREE LOOKS BAD SPROUTIN' OUT OF POPCORN⋯”

CEFR level