Coddle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Coddled; p. pr. & vb. n. Coddling.]
Etymology: [Cf. Prov. E. caddle to coax, spoil, fondle, and Cade, a. & v. t.]
[Written also codle.]
1. To parboil, or soften by boiling. It [the guava fruit] may be coddled. Dampier.
2. To treat with excessive tenderness; to pamper. How many of our English princes have been coddled at home by their fond papas and mammas! Thackeray. He [Lord Byron] never coddled his reputation. Southey.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for coddle; he lists it under caress.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.