[noun] where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence; "the birthplace of civilization" Synonyms:birthplace, place of origin, provenance
[noun] birth of a person; "he was taught from the cradle never to cry"
[noun] a trough on rockers used by gold miners to shake earth in water in order to separate the gold Synonyms:rocker
[verb] hold gently and carefully; "He cradles the child in his arms"
[verb] bring up from infancy
[verb] hold or place in or as if in a cradle; "He cradled the infant in his arms"