bantling

[ bant-ling ]

/ ˈbænt lɪŋ /

a very young child.

Origin of bantling

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

"There's not the slightest need of your walking alone," Mr. Bantling gaily interposed.

The Portrait of a Lady |Henry James
Miss Stackpole's other topic was very different; she gave Isabel the latest news about Mr. Bantling.

The Portrait of a Lady |Henry James
I keep telling Mr. Bantling that he ought to have been an American, and you should see how that pleases him.

The Portrait of a Lady |Henry James
A long time, however, must have elapsed before the bantling took heart of grace and found strength to run alone.

A Cursory History of Swearing |Julian Sharman

My bantling was given up by all the faculty, when you were happily shown into the boxes.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 1, August 7, 1841 |Various

bantling

/ (ˈbæntlɪŋ) /

archaic, derogatory a young child; brat

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