Cradle \Cra"dle\ (kr[=a]d'l), n. [AS. cradel, cradol, prob. from
   Celtic; cf. Gael. creathall, Ir. craidhal, W. cryd a shaking
   or rocking, a cradle; perh. akin to E. crate.]
   1. A bed or cot for a baby, oscillating on rockers or
      swinging on pivots; hence, the place of origin, or in
      which anything is nurtured or protected in the earlier
      period of existence; as, a cradle of crime; the cradle of
      liberty.
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            The cradle that received thee at thy birth.
                                                  --Cowper.
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            No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
            But I was made a king, at nine months old. --Shak.
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   2. Infancy, or very early life.
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            From their cradles bred together.     --Shak.
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            A form of worship in which they had been educated
            from their cradles. --Clarendon.
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   3. (Agric.) An implement consisting of a broad scythe for
      cutting grain, with a set of long fingers parallel to the
      scythe, designed to receive the grain, and to lay it
      evenly in a swath.
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   4. (Engraving) A tool used in mezzotint engraving, which, by
      a rocking motion, raises burrs on the surface of the
      plate, so preparing the ground.
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   5. A framework of timbers, or iron bars, moving upon ways or
      rollers, used to support, lift, or carry ships or other
      vessels, heavy guns, etc., as up an inclined plane, or
      across a strip of land, or in launching a ship.
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   6. (Med.)
      (a) A case for a broken or dislocated limb.
      (b) A frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with the
          person.
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   7. (Mining)
      (a) A machine on rockers, used in washing out auriferous
          earth; -- also called a rocker. [U.S.]
      (b) A suspended scaffold used in shafts.
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   8. (Carp.) The ribbing for vaulted ceilings and arches
      intended to be covered with plaster. --Knight.
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   9. (Naut.) The basket or apparatus in which, when a line has
      been made fast to a wrecked ship from the shore, the
      people are brought off from the wreck.
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   Cat's cradle. See under Cat.

   Cradle hole, a sunken place in a road, caused by thawing,
      or by travel over a soft spot.

   Cradle scythe, a broad scythe used in a cradle for cutting
      grain.
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