Definitions
1.nounA bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or swinging on pivots.
2.nounThe place of origin, or in which anything is nurtured or protected in the earlier period of existence."a cradle of crime"
3.nounInfancy, or very early life."from the cradle to the grave"
4.nounAn implement consisting of a broad scythe for cutting grain, with a set of long fingers parallel to the scythe, designed to receive the grain, and to lay it evenly in a swath.
5.nounA tool used in mezzotint engraving, which, by a rocking motion, raises burrs on the surface of the plate, so preparing the ground.
6.nounA framework of timbers, or iron bars, moving upon ways or rollers, used to support, lift, or carry ships or other vessels, heavy guns, etc., as up an inclined plane, or across a strip of land, or in launching a ship.
7.nounA case for a broken or dislocated limb.
8.nounA frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with the sensitive parts of an injured person.
9.nounA machine on rockers, used in washing out auriferous earth.
10.nounA suspended scaffold used in shafts.
11.nounA ribbing for vaulted ceilings and arches intended to be covered with plaster.
12.nounA basket or apparatus in which, when a line has been made fast to a wrecked ship from the shore, the people are brought off from the wreck."The cradle was ill-made. One victim fell into the sea and was lost and the ensuing delay cost three more lives."
13.nounA rest for the receiver of a telephone, or for certain computer hardware."He slammed the handset into the cradle."
14.noun(contact juggling) A hand position allowing a contact ball to be held steadily on the back of the hand.
15.nounA mechanical device for tilting and decanting a bottle of wine.
16.verbTo contain in or as if in a cradle.
17.verbTo rock (a baby to sleep).
18.verbTo wrap protectively, to hold gently and protectively."cradling the injured man’s head in her arms"
19.verbTo lull or quieten, as if by rocking.
20.verbTo nurse or train in infancy.
21.verbTo rock the lacrosse stick back and forth in order to keep the ball in the head by means of centrifugal force.
22.verbTo cut and lay (grain) with a cradle.
23.verbTo transport a vessel by means of a cradle.
24.verbTo put ribs across the back of (a picture), to prevent the panels from warping.