Dan·dle v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dandled p. pr. & vb. n. Dandling ]
 1. To move up and down on one's knee or in one's arms, in affectionate play, as an infant.
    Ye shall be dandled . . . upon her knees.   --Is.░
 2. To treat with fondness, as if a child; to fondle; to toy with; to pet.
    They have put me in a silk gown and gaudy fool's cap; I as ashamed to be dandled thus.   --Addison.
    The book, thus dandled into popularity by bishops and good ladies, contained many pieces of nursery eloquence.   --Jeffrey.
 3. To play with; to put off or delay by trifles; to wheedle. [Obs.]
    Captains do so dandle their doings, and dally in the service, as it they would not have the enemy subdued.   --Spenser.
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