fondling

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

fondling
    n 1: affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the
         genital organs) [syn: {caressing}, {cuddling}, {fondling},
         {hugging}, {kissing}, {necking}, {petting}, {smooching},
         {snuggling}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Fondling \Fon"dling\, n. [From {Fondle}.]
   The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness.
   [1913 Webster]

         Cyrus made no . . . amorous fondling
         To fan her pride, or melt her guardless heart.
                                                  --Mickle.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Fondling \Fond"ling\, n. [Fond + -ling.]
   1. A person or thing fondled or caressed; one treated with
      foolish or doting affection.
      [1913 Webster]

            Fondlings are in danger to be made fools.
                                                  --L'Estrange.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A fool; a simpleton; a ninny. [Obs.] --Chapman.
      [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Fondle \Fon"dle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fondled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Fondling}.] [From {Fond}, v.]
   To treat or handle with tenderness or in a loving manner; to
   caress; as, a nurse fondles a child.

   Syn: Syn.- See {Caress}.
        [1913 Webster]

from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

27 Moby Thesaurus words for "fondling":
      amorous dalliance, billing and cooing, bundling, caressing, cosset,
      cuddling, dalliance, darling, favorite, hugging, idol, jewel,
      kissing, lollygagging, lovemaking, matinee idol, minion, necking,
      nestling, nuzzling, pet, petting, preference, sexual intercourse,
      snuggling, spoiled child, spooning

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