cosset
UK: ˈkɒsɪt | US: ˈkɑːsɪt
vt. to treat with excessive indulgence; pamper
n. a pet lamb or other young animal
cosset = coss<lamb> + et<diminutive suffix>
- coss<lamb>: From Old English coss, a dialectal term for a pet lamb.
- et<diminutive suffix>: A suffix indicating smallness or affection, akin to "-let" (e.g., "leaflet").
Etymology Origin:
The word cosset originated as a noun referring to a hand-reared lamb, derived from Old English coss. Over time, the verb form emerged, metaphorically extending the idea of nurturing a lamb to indulging or pampering someone. The diminutive suffix -et subtly reinforces the notion of tenderness.
She tended to cosset her youngest child, shielding him from every hardship.
The celebrity’s entourage cossets him with constant attention.
In medieval times, a cosset was often kept for wool or milk.
Avoid cosseting your plants—they thrive better with some resilience.
The spoiled heir was cosseted by servants his entire life.