— caressable , adj. — caresser , n. — caressingly , adv.
/keuh res"/ , n.
1. an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, esp. a light stroking or touching.
v.t.
2. to touch or pat gently to show affection.
3. to touch, stroke, etc., lightly, as if in affection: The breeze caressed the trees.
4. to treat with favor, kindness, etc.
[ 1605-15; caresse carezza caritia, equiv. to L car ( us ) dear + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; cf. CHARITY ]
Syn. 1. pat, fondling, hug.