Dandle-smack-and-coddle

Dandle-smack-and-coddle is not a fixed idiom but a cluster of old English verbs that all belong to same semantic field. It can be interpreted as physical affection, indulgence, and over-tender handling - especially of children. Each word has its own history and naunce, and when combined, they create a rich, almost poetic expression of pampering, fondling, spoiling, or overindulgent care. 
Let us break it down: 

1. Dandle: To bounce a child on the knee, playfully lift, rock, or handle with affection. 
She dandled the baby upon her knee.
The word derived from Middle English, probably meaning imitative or repetitive motion (like jiggle, or jiggle) It is playful physical action. Rhythmic, gentle action.
Parental tender movement.

2. Smack: 
Light tapping, kissing sound, or playful slaps, especially affectionate ones.
She gave the child a smack upon the cheek. It is friendly, not violent.

3. Coddle: 

To treat someone with excessive care, indulgence and protection. Derived from the Middle English codle meaning to cook gently/parboil (partly cooked). Later metaphorical meaning to oversoften people. 

This phrase means pamper, spoil, mollycodle, etc.


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