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nestle

 - 3 dictionary results

nes⋅tle

[nes-uhl] verb, -tled, -tling.
–verb (used without object)
1. to lie close and snug, like a bird in a nest; snuggle or cuddle.
2. to lie or be located in a sheltered spot; be naturally or pleasantly situated: a cottage nestling in a pine grove.
3. Archaic.
a. to make or have a nest.
b. to make one's home; settle in a home.
–verb (used with object)
4. to settle or ensconce snugly: He nestled himself into the hay for a short nap.
5. to put or press confidingly or affectionately: She nestled her head on his shoulder.
6. to provide with or settle in a nest, as a bird.

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME nestlen, OE nestlian, c. D nestelen. See nest, -le


nestler, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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nes·tle   (něs'əl)   
v.   nes·tled, nes·tling, nes·tles

v.   intr.
  1. To settle snugly and comfortably: The cat nestled among the pillows.

  2. To lie in a sheltered position: a cottage that nestles in the wood.

  3. To draw or press close, as in affection; snuggle: The child nestled up to her mother.

  4. Archaic To nest.

v.   tr.
  1. To snuggle or press contentedly: The baby nestled its head on my shoulder.

  2. To place or settle as if in a nest: I nestled the puppy in my arms.


[Middle English nestlen, to make a nest, from Old English nestlian, from nest, nest.]
nes'tler n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

nestle 
O.E. nestlian "build a nest," from nest (see nest). Figurative sense of "settle (oneself) comfortably, snuggle" is first recorded 1547.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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