CRADLING

Cra″dling (–dl?ng), n. 1. 1. The act of using a cradle.
2. 2. (Coopering) Cutting a cask into two pieces lengthwise, to enable it to pass a narrow place, the two parts being afterward united and rehooped.
3. 3. (Carp.) The framework in arched or coved ceilings to which the laths are nailed. Knight.