cra·dle / ˈkrādl/ • n. 1. an infant's bed or crib, typically one mounted on rockers. ∎ fig. a place, process, or event in which something originates or flourishes: he saw Greek art as the cradle of European civilization. ∎ fig. infancy; childhood: a society that would secure the welfare of its citizens from cradle to grave.2. a framework resembling a cradle, in particular: ∎  a framework on which a ship or boat rests during construction or repairs. ∎  the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests when not in use. ∎  a frame put over a hospital bed to prevent the bedclothes from touching a patient’s injury. ∎ Mining a trough on rockers in which auriferous earth or sand is shaken in water to separate the gold.• v. [tr.] 1. hold gently and protectively: she cradled his head in her arms. ∎ fig. be the place of origin of.2. place (a telephone receiver) in its cradle.

cradle.
1. Light structure or framework (cradling) to support a plaster cornice or vault.

2. Corbeil.

3. Caisson.

cradle (kray-d'l) n. a framework of metal strips or other material that forms a cage over an injured part of the body of a patient lying in bed, to protect it from the pressure of the bedclothes.

cradle child's light bed or cot OE.; framework of bars, cords, etc. XIV. OE. cradol; perh. f. the same base as OHG. kratto, (MH)G. kratte basket.