nuddle, v. Now dial.
(ˈnʌd(ə)l)
[Related to nud v.: see -le 3. Connexion with G. nudeln, to press, is very doubtful.]
1. intr. † a. To push with the nose; to press close to the ground in this way; to grovel. Obs.
| 1650 H. More Enthus. Tri., Obs. (1656) 111 A pig in a poke, that grunting and nudling to get out, drove the yielding bag out at this corner and that corner. 1653 ― Antid. Ath. iii. xi. (1662) 123 A thing in the shape of a Weasel came.., nudling along in the grass. a 1661 Fuller Worthies, Hertfordsh. ii. (1662) 18 The People in this County,..taxed for covetousness, and their constant nudling on the Earth. |
b. dial. To hang the head; to stoop in walking.
| 1828– in various dial. glossaries (Yks., Nhp., E. Anglia). |
c. To nestle, to press close.
| 1854 A. E. Baker Northampton Gloss. |
2. trans. † a. To beat, pummel. Obs. rare.
| 1640 Rawlins Rebellion iv. i, I, I, Meder; the Divill Meder him, he has so nudled me. |
b. To squeeze, press.
| 1875 Whitby Gloss., Nuddled, as a parcel carried in the hand is apt to be squeezed out of shape. 1888 Sheffield Gloss., Nuddle, to press wheat into the earth with a roller. |
c. To rub with the nose.
| 1898 Speaker 5 Feb. 181 The mother nuddles him [sc. a lamb] with her nose. |
Hence ˈnuddling ppl. a. (Cf. nud, nudgel.)
| 1640 J. Gower Ovids Festivalls ii. 34 She stands and fawns upon the nuddling twins And with her tongue licks o're their tender skins. |