[ca.ress] n [F caresse, fr. It carezza, fr. caro dear, fr. L carus--more at charity] (ca. 1611) 1: an act or expression of kindness or affection: endearment
2. a: a light stroking, rubbing, or patting b: kiss -- ca.res.sive adj -- ca.res.sive.ly adv
[2]caress vt (1658) 1: to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness: cherish
2. a: to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner b: to touch or affect as if with a caress "echoes that ~ the ear" -- ca.ress.er n -- ca.ress.ing.ly adv