nestling

Three nestlings.

From Middle English nestling, equivalent to nest +‎ -ling.

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɛstlɪŋ/

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nestling (plural nestlings)

1. A small, young bird that is still confined to the nest.

   Synonym: quab

2. (obsolete) A nest; a receptacle.
   • 1605, Francis Bacon, “(please specify |book=1 or 2)”, in The Tvvoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for Henrie Tomes, […], OCLC 932932554:

     the secrecies of the passages, and the seats or nestlings of the humours

From nestle +‎ -ing.

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɛsəlɪŋ/, /ˈnɛslɪŋ/

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• Rhymes: -ɛslɪŋ

nestling

1. present participle of nestle

nestling (plural nestlings)

1. The act of one who nestles.
   • 1871, Kate Neely Hill Festetits, Actions speak louder than words:

     It was associated, to them, with vague sweet memories of loving nestlings in mother's arms, of soft warm coddlings before the fire, of slow rocking to and fro in the little, low, flag chair, and gradual droppings off to sleep […]

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