Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. to scold, to tell off, to reprimand.

1714

A. Smith Lives of Most Noted Highway-men, etc. I 72: Not being to be Tongue-padded, he by Force of Arms took Thirty-six pounds away from his former Creditor.

2. to persuade, to talk someone into something.

1699

N. Ward London Spy V 119: The Masters of those Shops will give as much Wages to one of these Tongue-Padding Sweetners, who stand Centinel at their Doors, as an Illiterate Mountebanks will allow to a good Orator.