I. kəˈres noun
( -es )
Etymology: French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro dear, from Latin carus — more at charity
1. : an act or expression of kindness or affection : endearment
he exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command — T.B.Macaulay
2.
a. : a light stroking, rubbing, or patting
b. : kiss
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: French caresser, from Italian carezzare, from carezza caress
1. : to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : cherish
the regiment was fed and caressed at station after station — Stephen Crane
2.
a. : to touch or stroke in a loving or endearing manner : fondle , embrace , pet
left hand … caresses the boy's face — Henry Adams
b. : to touch or affect as if with a caress
echoes that caress the ear