dandle

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Dandled p. pr. & vb. n. Dandling ] [ Cf. G. dändeln to trifly, dandle, OD. & Prov. G. danten, G. tand trifly, prattle; Scot. dandill, dander, to go about idly, to trifly. ] 1. To move up and down on one's knee or in one's arms, in affectionate play, as an infant. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ye shall be dandled . . . upon her knees. Is.&unr_; [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To treat with fondness, as if a child; to fondle; to toy with; to pet. [ 1913 Webster ]

They have put me in a silk gown and gaudy fool's cap; I as ashamed to be dandled thus. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

The book, thus dandled into popularity by bishops and good ladies, contained many pieces of nursery eloquence. Jeffrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To play with; to put off or delay by trifles; to wheedle. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Captains do so dandle their doings, and dally in the service, as it they would not have the enemy subdued. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]