The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Puddening \Pud"den*ing\, n. [Probably fr. pudden, for pudding,
   in allusion to its softness.] (Naut.)
   (a) A quantity of rope-yarn, or the like, placed, as a
       fender, on the bow of a boat.
   (b) A bunch of soft material to prevent chafing between
       spars, or the like.
       [1913 Webster]