nestle

present singular third person nestles · participle present nestling · participle past nestled · past nestled

1. To settle oneself comfortably and snugly.

   1 more example

   In the work that it [the Servants of India Society] will do in the future it will be the spirit of Mr. [Gopal Krishna] Gokhale that will inspire it. So I would remind you that while you raise a statue to his public honour, do not forget what matters more, the hope that ever nestled warmly in his heart, that is nearest and dearest to those who imitate him, throwing away everything of this world and burning upon the altar of their country in sacrifice all that the world could give of joy and wealth, […]

   1915 April, Annie Besant, “The Servants of India Society”, in Speeches & Writings of Annie Besant, 3rd edition, Madras: G. A. Natesan & Co., published September 1921, →OCLC, page 281

   Synonyms: snudge

2. To press oneself against another affectionately.

   Synonyms: cuddle, snuggle

3. intransitiveTo lie half-hidden or in shelter.

   The old shop nestled between the newer apartment buildings.

   1 more example

   Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild and desolate country, and there to nestle till greater succours came.

   a. 1627 (date written), Francis [Bacon], “Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine. […]”, in William Rawley, editor, Certaine Miscellany Works of the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam, Viscount S. Alban. […], London: […] I. Hauiland for Humphrey Robinson, […], published 1629, →OCLC

4. archaicintransitivebiologyTo build or sit upon a nest.

   The kingfisher […] nestles in hollow banks.

   1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC

5. archaictransitivebiologyOf a bird: to look after its young.

   This assimilates them more nearly to the natural conditions when the hen nestles her chicks on the earth, whilst the warmth is given chiefly over their backs.

   1871, Gardeners Chronicle & New Horticulturist, volume 31, page 123

6. transitiveTo move or place into a comfortable position.

   She made no answer, but her fingers nervously nestled the leaves of a book.

   1862, William S. Woodbridge, Captain Paul's Adventure

   2 more examples

   With as little of movement as possible, Aeon nestled her head closer to his chest, even more inder his chin.

   2010, Sarah Tyler, Panthera Leo and the Call of Destiny, →ISBN, page 124

   Nestle the feta blocks and rosemary sprig among the vegetables and lightly drizzle with the reamining 1 tablespoon oil.

   2022, Melissa Clark, Dinner in One, →ISBN, page 46

plural Nestles

1. A surname from German.