[f. KID sb.1 + -LING. Cf. ON. kiðlingr, Norw. and Sw. kidling.]

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  1.  A little kid.

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1586.  W. Webbe, Eng. Poetrie (Arb.), 78. O were thou content … trym kydling flocke with me to driue to the greene fieldes.

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1613–6.  W. Browne, Brit. Past., II. i. Mountaines where the wanton Kidling dallies.

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a. 1732.  Gay, Acis & Galatea. O Nymph … Like kidlings blithe and merry!

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1814.  Southey, Roderick, xi. At yonder door Behold the favourite kidling bleats unheard.

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  2.  slang. A little child; a baby.

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1899.  Daily News, 11 Feb., 3/7. The poor little kidlings feet would suffer, I should think.

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