• Fondling

    Origin 1

    From fond + -ling.

    Full definition of fondling

    Noun

    fondling

    (plural fondlings)
    1. (obsolete) A foolish person.
      • 1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, VI.6:Yet were her words and lookes but false and fayned,
        To some hid end to make more easie way,
        Or to allure such fondlings whom she trayned
        Into her trap ….
      • 1847, Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, Vol. I, ch. 10:'How can you say I am harsh, you naughty fondling?' cried the mistress, amazed at the unreasonable assertion.
    2. A pet or person who is fondled; someone who is much loved.

    Origin 2

    From fondle + -ing.

    Verb

    fondling
    1. Present participle of fondle

    Derived terms

    Noun

    fondling

    (plural fondlings)
    1. The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness.
      • MickleCyrus made no ... amorous fondling
        To fan her pride, or melt her guardless heart.
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