cradle

Noun

• a trough that can be rocked back and forth; used by gold miners to shake auriferous earth in water in order to separate the gold

• birth of a person
  • he was taught from the cradle never to cry
    

• where something originated or was nurtured in its early existence
  • the birthplace of civilization
    

• a baby bed with sides and rockers

Verb

• run with the stick

• wash in a cradle
  • cradle gold
    

• cut grain with a cradle scythe

• hold or place in or as if in a cradle
  • He cradled the infant in his arms
    

• bring up from infancy

• hold gently and carefully
  • He cradles the child in his arms
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  rocker , birthplace , place of origin , provenance , provenience