dial. Also crowdle, cru(d)dle. [Of uncertain origin. It has been viewed as a dim. of crowd; but its dialectal phonology, e.g., W. Yorkshire crooidle, takes it back to a ME. crōdle with long o. In modern use, app. influenced by association with various other words, e.g., crouch, cludder, cuddle.]
intr. To cower or crouch down; to draw oneself together, as for warmth; to cling close together, or nestle close to a person.
1788. W. H. Marshall, Yorksh., Gloss., Crowdle, to creep close together, as children round the fire, or chickens under the hen.
1821. Clare, Vill. Minstr., II. 183. On the pale traveller’s way, Who, croodling, hastens from the storm.
1857. Kingsley, Two Y. Ago, x. ‘There,’ said Lucia, as she clung croodling to him. Ibid. (1858), Winter Gard., Misc. I. 136. As a dove, to fly home to its rest, and croodle there.
1884. Chesh. Gloss., Croodle, (1) to snuggle, as a young animal snuggles against its mother; (2) to crouch down.
