mollycoddle

[ mol-ee-kod-l ]

noun

1. a man or boy who is used to being coddled; a milksop.

verb (used with object)

, mol·ly·cod·dled, mol·ly·cod·dling.

1. to coddle; pamper.

   Synonyms: cosset, indulge, spoil

mollycoddle

/ ˈmɒlɪˌkɒdəl /

verb

1. tr to treat with indulgent care; pamper

noun

1. a pampered person

Derived Forms

• ˈmollyˌcoddler, noun

Other Words From

• molly·coddler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mollycoddle¹

First recorded in 1825–35; Molly (a female name used in the sense “effeminate man”) + coddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of mollycoddle¹

C19: from molly ² + coddle

Example Sentences

No mollycoddle—but a roaring, six bottle fellow—with a big brain and a scrupulous sense of honor.

From Project Gutenberg

They despise from their hearts the mollycoddle who will not risk a wound or a cold for the pleasures of the sun and air.

From Project Gutenberg

When one mother tries to be all those things to one son that son has a very fair chance of turning out a mollycoddle.

From Project Gutenberg

I was right in refusing to mollycoddle him or put up with any of his callow, unbaked impudence.

From Project Gutenberg

I wish to deprive those whom I put in the mollycoddle class, of any argument against good sport.

From Project Gutenberg