ˈnēd verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English kneden, from Old English cnedan; akin to Old Saxon knedan to knead, Old High German knetan, Old Norse knotha to knead, Old Slavic gnesti to press, Old Prussian gnode trough for kneading bread, Old English cnotta knot — more at knot
transitive verb
1.
a. : to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
kneading clay to perfect smoothness
b. : to mix (as the materials of bread) into a well-blended whole by or as if by repeatedly drawing out and pressing together
c. : to make (as bread) by such a process
2. : to manipulate or work on with or as if with a kneading motion
kneaded the shoulder muscles to relieve the stiffness
: alter or affect with or as if with repeated small pressures
gradually kneading the idea into shape
3. : to make kneading movements with
kneading her fists into her waist — J.S.Redding
intransitive verb
: to make kneading movements : perform the action of kneading with or as if with the hands
a kitten kneading on the bed
kneaded away at the cheeks — Constance Foley