nestling

noun

1. a young bird not yet old enough to leave the nest.
2. a young child or infant.

verb (used without object), nes·tled, nes·tling.

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.
   1. to make or have a nest.
   2. to make one’s home; settle in a home.

verb (used with object), nes·tled, nes·tling.

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.

noun

1. 1. a young bird not yet fledged
   2. (as modifier)a nestling thrush
2. any young person or animal

verb

1. (intr; often foll by up or down) to snuggle, settle, or cuddle closely
2. (intr) to be in a sheltered or protected position; lie snugly
3. (tr) to shelter or place snugly or partly concealed, as in a nest

n.late 14c., “bird too young to leave the nest,” from nest (n.) + diminutive suffix -ling. v.Old English nestlian “build a nest,” from nest (see nest (n.)). Figurative sense of “settle (oneself) comfortably, snuggle” is first recorded 1540s. Related: Nestled; nestling.