'To cradle a picture' definitions:

Definition of 'To cradle a picture'

From: GCIDE

Cradle \Cra"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cradled (-d'ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Cradling (-dl?ng).]
1. To lay to rest, or rock, as in a cradle; to lull or quiet, as by rocking. [1913 Webster]
It cradles their fears to sleep. --D. A. Clark. [1913 Webster]
2. To nurse or train in infancy. [1913 Webster]
He that hath been cradled in majesty will not leave the throne to play with beggars. --Glanvill. [1913 Webster]
3. To cut and lay with a cradle, as grain. [1913 Webster]
4. To transport a vessel by means of a cradle. [1913 Webster]
In Lombardy . . . boats are cradled and transported over the grade. --Knight. [1913 Webster]
To cradle a picture, to put ribs across the back of a picture, to prevent the panels from warping. [1913 Webster]