dandle
/ˈdand(ə)l
/verb [with object]
1Move (a baby or young child) up and down in a playful or affectionate way: he dandled his son on his knee...
- I pictured my sister, opening drawers while dandling her newborn, and swearing under her breath.
- He rumpled the boy's straight dark hair as he dandled him on his knee.
- Sherlock, I used to dandle you on my knee when you were a boy; you and your beloved cloth giraffe!
Synonyms
bounce, jiggle, ride, dance, toss, pet, rock;
hug, cradle, fondle, cuddle, caress
1.1Move (something) lightly up and down: dandling the halter rope, he gently urged the pony’s head up...
- So what if Sweeney buys drinks for Rachel Rabinowitz or Aunt Helen's footman dandles the second parlormaid?
- Rather, my first thought is of the scene in which Tom (wonderfully and perfectly portrayed by Nick Nolte) dandles a priceless violin out the window.
- Serena, who was only a girl herself, dandled the doll impressively before her bewildered eyes.
Origin
Mid 16th century: of unknown origin.