A person who is a wanderer or vagabond. The gadling roamed the countryside, never staying in one place for too long.
An armed follower or common soldier, especially in medieval contexts. The knight rode at the head of a band of gadlings sworn to defend his banner.
A rogue or mischievous fellow; rascal. "Out with you, ye gadling!" the innkeeper shouted at the troublemaker.
A child or youngster (archaic or dialectal). The old woman smiled kindly at the gadlings playing in the lane.