As an adjective coddled denotes being treated with extreme indulgence or tenderness or pampering. Synonyms that may be used are pampered or spoiled as in 'the grandparents completely coddled the little girl'. It could also be the past tense of the verb 'coddle', meaning to cook something slowly and gently in liquid just under the boiling point.
In the sense of cooking, for instance, the eggs used in a Caesar salad ideally need to be coddled. Coddled eggs, however, are not completely cooked and thus still pose salmonella risk.
A related word is mollycoddle which is a verb that also means to pamper or treat in an overly protective manner, as you would a child. As a noun mollycoddle could refer to man or boy who is effeminate.
In the sense of cooking, for instance, the eggs used in a Caesar salad ideally need to be coddled. Coddled eggs, however, are not completely cooked and thus still pose salmonella risk.
A related word is mollycoddle which is a verb that also means to pamper or treat in an overly protective manner, as you would a child. As a noun mollycoddle could refer to man or boy who is effeminate.