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, (w), Wuthering Heights, Vol. I, ch. 10:
'How can you say I am harsh, you naughty fondling?' cried the mistress, amazed at the unreasonable assertion.
A pet or person who is fondled; someone who is much loved.
(present participle of)
The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness.
Mickle
Cyrus made no (..) amorous fondling / To fan her pride, or melt her guardless heart.