coddling

English

Verb

coddling

1. present participle and gerund of coddle

Noun

coddling (plural coddlings)

1. The act of one who coddles or pampers.
   • 1871, Kate Neely Hill Festetits, Actions speak louder than words:

     It was associated, to them, with vague sweet memories of loving nestlings in mother's arms, of soft warm coddlings before the fire, of slow rocking to and fro in the little, low, flag chair, and gradual droppings off to sleep […]

2. Alternative form of codling (type of apple)
   • 1791, Mrs. Frazer, The Practice of Cookery, Pastry, Pickling, Preserving, &c:

     Take the large coddlings, or any other hard green apple, newly pulled; cut them in quarters, and cut out the core […]

   • 2006, Michael Moorcock, The Vengeance of Rome:

     Afterwards, when we had all pulled crackers and donned fancy hats and paper masks, we were served with our choice of plum puddings or hot coddlings, mince pies or pumpkin tart.

Anagrams

• clodding