foundling wheel

English

Noun

foundling wheel (plural foundling wheels)

a revolving crib set in the wall of a church or convent, allowing an abandoned baby to be left anonymously and safely.

Synonyms

baby hatch

Translations

revolving crib

Finnish: vauvaluukku
French: tour d'abandon (fr) f

Italian: ruota dei trovatelli

Usage notes

Foundling wheels were common from the 12th to the 18th centuries, but are now being used again in some parts of Europe.

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