cradling

noun

1. The act by which one cradles a child etc.

2. The act of using a cradle (the tool).

3. (coopering) The cutting of a cask into two pieces lengthwise, to enable it to pass a narrow place, the two parts being afterwards united and rehooped.

4. (carpentry) The framework in arched or coved ceilings to which the laths are nailed.

verb

1. present participle of cradle

- The woman was cradling the baby in the crook of her arm as she fed it.