The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Coddle \Cod"dle\ (k[o^]d"d'l), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Coddled
   (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Coddling (-dl[i^]ng).] [Cf.
   Prov. E. caddle to coax, spoil, fondle, and Cade, a. & v.
   t.] [Written also codle.]
   1. To parboil, or soften by boiling.
      [1913 Webster]

            It [the guava fruit] may be coddled.  --Dampier.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To treat with excessive tenderness; to pamper.
      [1913 Webster]

            How many of our English princes have been coddled at
            home by their fond papas and mammas!  --Thackeray.
      [1913 Webster]

            He [Lord Byron] never coddled his reputation.
                                                  --Southey.
      [1913 Webster]