\Dan"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Dandled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Dandling}.] [Cf. G. d["a]ndeln to trifly, dandle, OD. &
Prov. G. danten, G. tand trifly, prattle; Scot. dandill,
dander, to go about idly, to trifly.]
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.