n. [ Prob. for bandling, from band, and meaning a child wrapped in swaddling bands; or cf. G. bäntling a bastard, fr. bank bench. Cf. Bastard, n. ] A young or small child; an infant. [ Slightly contemptuous or depreciatory. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

In what out of the way corners genius produces her bantlings. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]