cradle

1. (figuratively) The place of origin, or in which anything is nurtured or protected in the earlier period of existence.Examples: "a cradle of crime"; "the cradle of liberty"figuratively

2. (figuratively) Infancy, or very early life.Examples: "from the cradle to the grave"; "from their cradles bred together"; "a form of worship in which they had been educated from their cradle"figuratively

3. (mining) A machine on rockers, used in washing out auriferous earth.Examples: "Rough men brought pickle bottles full of nuggets. Mysterious dirty-looking calico bags were opened, disclosing small quantities of water-worn flaky gold, which had been washed out of the beds of rivers with a cradle."Synonyms: rocker

4. (mining) A suspended scaffold used in shafts.

5. (carpentry) A ribbing for vaulted ceilings and arches intended to be covered with plaster.Examples: "A strong iron bar is fixed at the top of each cradle, to which the suspending chains are attached; the latter pass over the sheaves, and the cradles are kept in a horizontal position, by means of an adjusting rod placed above them"

6. (nautical) A basket or apparatus in which, when a line has been made fast to a wrecked ship from the shore, the people are brought off from the wreck.Examples: "The cradle was ill-made. One victim fell into the sea and was lost and the ensuing delay cost three more lives."