Pad"dle (?), v. i. [Prob. for pattle, and a dim. of pat, v.; cf. also
E. pad to tread, Prov. G. paddeln, padden, to walk with short steps, to
paddle, G. patschen to splash, dash, dabble, F. patouiller to dabble,
splash, fr. patte a paw. √21.] 1. To use the hands or fingers in
toying; to make caressing strokes. [Obs.] Shak.
2. To dabble in water with hands or feet; to use a paddle, or something
which serves as a paddle, in swimming, in paddling a boat, etc.
As the men were paddling for their lives.
L'Estrange.
While paddling ducks the standing lake desire.
Gay.
Pad"dle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Paddled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Paddling (?)]
1. To pat or stroke amorously, or gently.
To be paddling palms and pinching fingers.
Shak.