CRADLE, in engraving, is the name of an instrument used in scraping mezzotints and preparing the plate. It is formed of steel, resembling a chisel with one sloping side, upon which are cut hollow lines very near each other, and at equal distances. The acting part of this tool is made circular, and the corners are rounded. After being properly tempered, it must be sharpened on the whetstone. There are various sizes of this instrument.