[f. TODDLE v.]
1. An act or the action of toddling, as of a child or infirm person; transf. a leisurely walk, a stroll.
1825. C. M. Westmacott, Eng. Spy, I. 32. After a toddle [mispr. toodle] of 3 miles.
1837–48. B. D. Walsh, Aristoph., Knights, I. iii. Now falling and now on the toddle.
1871. Blackmore, Maid of Sker, v. The little thing … set off in the bravest toddle for the very bow of the boat.
1891. Sara J. Duncan, Soc. Departure, 123. Her toddle was worth many strides of the female suffragist.
2. (Also toddles.) A toddling child.
1825. Jamieson, Toddle, a designation given to a child, or to a neat person of a small size. Angus.
1828. Craven Gloss. Toddles, an endearing appellation of a child when just beginning to walk.
1854. Thackeray, Wolves & Lamb, I. I have two girls—Amelia, quite a little toddles [etc.].
1882. Society, 18 Nov., 23/1. A … little pelisse … for a toddle of two-and-a-half.
Hence Toddlekins, Toddleskin = sense 2.
1879. Sala, Paris Herself Again (1880), I. xvii. 287. There were many little manikins and toddlekins.
1890. Century Mag., Aug., 11/2. To return perhaps with a toddleskin or two born at sea.
1904. Daily Record & Mail, 1 Jan., 4. The plump and laughing little toddlekins who can be seen in every home suburban street.
