▪ I. fondling, vbl. n.
(ˈfɒndlɪŋ)
[f. fondle v. + -ing1.]
The action of the vb. fondle; an affectionate handling; a fond gesture.
| 1714 Mandeville Fab. Bees (1733) II. 211 The various expressions of their fondness for their infants, which fondling of them ever increases. 1781 Mickle Siege of Marseilles ii. iv, Cyrus made no..amorous fondling To fan her pride. 1886 Hall Caine Son of Hagar i. i, Embraced each other with the quiet fondling of lambs. |
▪ II. fondling
(ˈfɒndlɪŋ)
[f. fond a. + -ling.]
† 1. A ‘fond’ or foolish person. Also transf. of animals. Obs.
| c 1440 York Myst. xix. 157 Þan schall þat fandelyng felle Be-lyue his bliss schall blynne. 1547–64 Bauldwin Mor. Philos. (Palfr.) 56 The vicious & rich faulty fondling..by whom common-weales are destroyed. 1589 Nashe Anat. Absurd. 29 How farre are these fondlings from imitating Crates the Philosopher. 1594 Chapman Shadow of Night Eja, Thou and thy Nimphs shall..mocke the fondling, for his mad aspire. 1613–16 W. Browne Brit. Past. ii. i, See how yonder fondlings teare Their fleeces in the brakes. 1674 N. Fairfax Bulk & Selv. To Rdr., I should lacken it..by making such a Fondling the Penman of it. 1781 J. Hutton Tour to Caves Gloss., Fondling, an ideot. |
2. One who is fondly loved; one who is much fondled or caressed; a pet. Also fig. Now rare.
| 1640 H. Mill Nights Search 128 When this Spark is from his Fondling gone. 1692 L'Estrange Fables No. 248 Partiality in a Parent is commonly Unlucky..for Fondlings are in danger to be made Fools. 1699 Locke Hum. Und. (ed. 4) iv. xix. §16 That may shew it [an opinion] to be a Fondling of our own. 1702 Rowe Tamerl. iii. i. 1059 The Fondling once of her dear Father's Arms. 1788 F. Burney Diary 5 Jan. Frogs..kept in glasses for fondlings and favourites. 1834 Southey Doctor ix, He became his father's companion imperceptibly as he ceased to be his fondling. |
▪ III. fondling, ppl. a.
(ˈfɒndlɪŋ)
[f. fondle v. + -ing2.]
That fondles; caressing, endearing.
| 1676 Glanvill Seasonable Refl. 207 What can the fondling flesh and the world do for thee? c 1704 Prior Henry & Emma 65 He call'd her..his Nut-brown Maid, The friends and tenants took the fondling word. 1768 Goldsm. Good-n. Man iv. i, I will discard the fondling hope from my bosom. 1798 F. Burney Let. Mar., He..called out in a fondling manner. 1821 Clare Vill. Minstr. II. 27 His chuff cheeks dimpling in a fondling smile. 1824 Miss Mitford Village Ser. i. (1863) 211 By that fondling nursery name she best liked to be called. 1850 Kingsley Alt. Locke i. (1879) 13 And spoke to my mother in a fondling, patronizing way. |
Hence ˈfondlingly adv.
| 1835 New Monthly Mag. XLV. 80 She clings fearingly and fondlingly to Lablache. |
▪ IV. fondling
obs. form of foundling.