Coddling

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Coddle \Cod"dle\ (k[o^]d"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Coddled}
     (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Coddling} (-dl[i^]ng).] [Cf.
     {Prov}. E. caddle to coax, spoil, fondle, and {Cade}, a. & v.
     t.] [Written also {codle}.]
     1. To parboil, or soften by boiling.
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              It [the guava fruit] may be coddled.  --Dampier.
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     2. To treat with excessive tenderness; to pamper.
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              How many of our English princes have been coddled at
              home by their fond papas and mammas!  --Thackeray.
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              He [Lord Byron] never coddled his reputation.
                                                    --Southey.
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