CARESS

I. transitive verb Etymology: French ~er, from Italian carezzare, from carezza Date: 1598 to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness ; cherish , 2. to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner, to touch or affect as if with a ~ , ~er noun ~ingly adverb II. noun see: charity Date: 1609 an act or expression of kindness or affection ; endearment , 2. a light stroking, rubbing, or patting, kiss , ~ive adjective ~ively adverb