from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Caress \Ca*ress"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Caressed}
(k[.a]*r[e^]st"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Caressing}.] [F. caresser,
fr. It. carezzare, fr. carezza caress. See {Caress}., n.]
To treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness; to
touch or speak to in a loving or endearing manner; to fondle.
[1913 Webster]
The lady caresses the rough bloodhound. --Sir W.
Scott.
Syn: To fondle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter.
Usage: {Caress}, {Fondle}. "We caress by words or actions; we
fondle by actions only." --Crabb.
[1913 Webster] caressing