Word Study
cuddle
CIDE DICTIONARY
cuddle, v. i. [Prob. for couthle, fr. couth known; cf. OE. ku to cuddle, or cu to make friends with. SeeCouth, Uncouth, Can.].
To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle. [1913 Webster]
"She cuddles low beneath the brake;
Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly." [1913 Webster]
Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly." [1913 Webster]
cuddle, v. t.
To embrace closely; to fondle. Forby. [1913 Webster]
cuddle, n.
A close embrace. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cuddle, v. & n.
--v.
1 tr. hug, embrace, fondle.
2 intr. nestle together, lie close and snug.
--n. a prolonged and fond hug.
--v.
1 tr. hug, embrace, fondle.
2 intr. nestle together, lie close and snug.
--n. a prolonged and fond hug.
Derivative
cuddlesome adj.
Etymology
16th c.: perh. f. dial. couth snug
THESAURUS
cuddle
bill and coo, bundle, burrow, caress, cosset, croodle, cuddle up, curl up, dandle, embrace, enfold, fondle, hold, hug, lap, love, neck, nestle, nuzzle, pet, smooch, snug, snug up, snuggle, snuggle up toROGET THESAURUS
cuddle
Endearment
VB caress, fondle, pet, dandle, pat, pat on the head, pat on the cheek, chuck under the chin, smile upon, coax, wheedle, cosset, coddle, cocker, cockle, make of, make much of, cherish, foster, kill with kindness, clasp, hug, cuddle, fold in one's arms, strain in one's arms, nestle, nuzzle, embrace, kiss, buss, smack, blow a kiss, salute, fold to the heart, press to the bosom, bill and coo, spoon, toy, dally, flirt, coquet, gallivant, galavant, philander, make love, pay one's court to, pay one's addresses to, pay one's attentions to, serenade, court, woo, set one's cap at, be sweet upon, look sweet upon, ogle, cast sheep's eyes upon, faire les yeux doux, fall in love with, win the affections, die for, propose, make an offer, have an offer, pop the question, plight one's troth, plight one's faith.For further exploring for "cuddle" in Webster Dictionary Online
