bantling

[bant-ling]

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noun

a very young child.

Origin of bantling

First recorded in 1585–95, bantling is from the German word Bänkling illegitimate child. See bench, -ling¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for bantling

newborn, toddler, kid, child, suckling, babe, bambino, bundle, tot, bairn, neonate, nursling, baby, bantling

Examples from the Web for bantling

Historical Examples of bantling

Your bantling is grown-up: you can keep her no longer beneath your wing.
The Love Affairs of Pixie
Mrs George de Horne Vaizey
Poor Mr. Bantling, however, was still in this inferior stage.
The Portrait of a Lady
Henry James
I'm afraid, however, that Bantling hasn't; he may have some surprises.
The Portrait of a Lady
Henry James
"I'll get you a hansom if you'll trust me," Mr. Bantling went on.
The Portrait of a Lady
Henry James
With Lady Pensil, the sister of Mr. Bantling, who has answered for an invitation.
The Portrait of a Lady
Henry James

British Dictionary definitions for bantling

bantling

noun

archaic, derogatory a young child; brat

Word Origin for bantling

C16: perhaps from German Bänkling illegitimate child, from Bank bench + -ling 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012