n.
Function: noun
Etymology: French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro dear, from Latin carus ― more at CHARITY
Date: 1609
1 : an act or expression of kindness or affection : ENDEARMENT
2 a : a light stroking, rubbing, or patting b : KISS
– ca · res · sive \ - ' re-siv \ adjective
– ca · res · sive · ly adverb