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plural foundlings
An abandoned child, left by its parent(s), often a baby left at a convent or similar safe place. quotations examples
1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
In foundling hospitals, and among the children brought up by parish charities, the mortality is still greater than among those of the common people.
1776, Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Moses was a foundling; Jesus Christ was born in a stable; and Mahomet was a mule driver.
1794, Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason (Part I)
[Owl:] You heard that [our presidential candidate] is really a ant lion[?] [Frog:] Worst part is, [his family says he was found] 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...
1960 June 13, Walt Kelly, Pogo, comic strip, page 154