Nestle \Nes"tle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Nestled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Nestling}.] [AS. nestlian.] 1. To make and occupy a nest; to nest. [Obs.]
The kingfisher . . . nestles in hollow banks. --L'Estrange.
2. To lie close and snug, as a bird in her nest; to cuddle up; to settle, as in a nest; to harbor; to take shelter.
Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and there nestle till succors came. --Bacon.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads. --Clement Clarke Moore (A Visit From St. Nicholas, (a poem [1823]) also called The {Night Before Christmas}). [PJC]
3. To move about in one's place, like a bird when shaping the interior of her nest or a young bird getting close to the parent; as, a child nestles.
Beginning as earth-bound "hoppers" in larva form, they accumulate and nestle, then move into their swarming _ and ravenous _ phase, poised for takeoff with the right combination of hot wind and humidity.
Children nestle in the beams.
In Marx-Engels Platz, Engels stands erect while Marx sits at his side, his huge lap a favorite place for tourists to nestle for photo opportunities.
"Wherever the big story was - within his territory or outside it - when we sent Mike there, we knew that the story would nestle safely in the hands of a pro.