dandle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdand(ə)l/

verb

[with object]
  • move (a baby or young child) up and down in a playful or affectionate way: he dandled his son on his knee
  • move (something) lightly up and down: dandling the halter rope, he gently urged the pony’s head up

Origin:

mid 16th century: of unknown origin