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.

It [the guava fruit] may be coddled. --Dampier.

2. To treat with excessive tenderness; to pamper.

How many of our English princes have been coddled at home by their fond papas and mammas! --Thackeray.

He [Lord Byron] never coddled his reputation. --Southey.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)