nestling

From Middle English nestling, equivalent to nest +‎ -ling.

nestling (plural nestlings)

1. A small, young bird that is still confined to the nest.
2. (obsolete) A nest; a receptacle.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Francis Bacon to this entry?)

• (bird): quab

From nestle +‎ -ing.

nestling

1. present participle of nestle

nestling (plural nestlings)

1. The act of one who nestles.
   • 1871, Kate Neely Hill Festetits, Actions speak louder than words

     It was associated, to them, with vague sweet memories of loving nestlings in mother's arms, of soft warm coddlings before the fire, of slow rocking to and fro in the little, low, flag chair, and gradual droppings off to sleep […]

• slenting