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Webster 1913 Edition


Nestle

Nes′tle

,
Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Nestled
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Nestling
.]
[AS.
nestlian
.]
1.
To make and occupy a nest; to nest.
[Obs.]
The kingfisher . . .
nestles
in hollow banks.
L’Estrange.
2.
To lie close and snug, as a bird in her nest; to cuddle up; to settle, as in a nest; to harbor; to take shelter.
Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and there
nestle
till succors came.
Bacon.
3.
To move about in one's place, like a bird when shaping the interior of her nest or a young bird getting close to the parent;
as, a child
nestles
.

Nes′tle

,
Verb.
T.
To house, as in a nest.
2.
To cherish, as a bird her young.

Webster 1828 Edition


Nestle

NESTLE

,
Verb.
I.
1.
To settle; to harbor; to lie close and snug, as a bird in her nest.
The king-fisher nestles in hollow banks.
Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and their nestle till succors came.
2.
To move about in ones seat, like a bird when forming her nest; as, a child nestles.

Definition 2024


nestle

nestle

English

Verb

nestle (third-person singular simple present nestles, present participle nestling, simple past and past participle nestled)

  1. To settle oneself comfortably and snugly.
  2. To press oneself against another affectionately.
  3. To lie half-hidden or in shelter.
    The old shop nestled between the newer apartment buildings.
    • Francis Bacon
      Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and there nestle till succours came.
  4. (archaic, ornithology) To build or sit upon a nest.
    • L'Estrange
      The kingfisher [] nestles in hollow banks.
  5. (transitive) To move or place into a comfortable position
    • William S. Woodbridge
      She made no answer, but her fingers nervously nestled the leaves of a book.
    • 2010, Sarah Tyler, Panthera Leo and the Call of Destiny, ISBN 1608444279, page 124:
      With as little of movement as possible, Aeon nestled her head closer to his chest, even more inder his chin.

Synonyms

  • (to settle oneself comfortably): settle
  • (to press oneself against another affectionately): cuddle, snuggle

Related terms

Translations