The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cradle \Cra"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cradled (-d'ld); p. pr.
   & vb. n. Cradling (-dl?ng).]
   1. To lay to rest, or rock, as in a cradle; to lull or quiet,
      as by rocking.
      [1913 Webster]
            It cradles their fears to sleep.      --D. A. Clark.
      [1913 Webster]
   2. To nurse or train in infancy.
      [1913 Webster]
            He that hath been cradled in majesty will not leave
            the throne to play with beggars.      --Glanvill.
      [1913 Webster]
   3. To cut and lay with a cradle, as grain.
      [1913 Webster]
   4. To transport a vessel by means of a cradle.
      [1913 Webster]
            In Lombardy . . . boats are cradled and transported
            over the grade.                       --Knight.
      [1913 Webster]
   To cradle a picture, to put ribs across the back of a
      picture, to prevent the panels from warping.
      [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cradling \Cra"dling\ (-dl?ng), n.
   1. The act of using a cradle.
      [1913 Webster]
   2. (Coopering) Cutting a cask into two pieces lengthwise, to
      enable it to pass a narrow place, the two parts being
      afterward united and rehooped.
      [1913 Webster]
   3. (Carp.) The framework in arched or coved ceilings to which
      the laths are nailed. --Knight.
      [1913 Webster]