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.

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

[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...

Foundling

Meaning

Noun

Origin

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