n. [ LL. alidada, alhidada, fr. Ar. al-'idāda a sort of rule: cf. F. alidade. ] The portion of a graduated instrument, as a quadrant or astrolabe, carrying the sights or telescope, and showing the degrees cut off on the arc of the instrument Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ Of. uncertain origin. Cf. Dandle, Daddle. ] To hold up by leading strings or by the hand, as a child while he toddles. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Little children when they learn to go
By painful mothers daded to and fro. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To walk unsteadily, as a child in leading strings, or just learning to walk; to move slowly. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

No sooner taught to dade, but from their mother trip. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]