* * *
cra·dle 'krād-əl n
1) a bed or cot for a baby usu. on rockers or pivots
2 a) a frame to keep the bedclothes from contact with an injured part of the body
b) a frame placed on the neck of an animal to keep it from biting an injury or sore
* * *
n.
a framework of metal strips or other material that forms a cage over an injured part of the body of a patient lying in bed, to protect it from the pressure of the bedclothes.
* * *
cra·dle (kraґdəl) a frame placed over the body of a bed patient for application of heat or cold or for protecting injured parts from contact with the bedclothes.Medical dictionary. 2011.