[kuh-res] 
| 1. | an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, esp. a light stroking or touching. |
| 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. |
| ca·ress (kə-rěs') n. A gentle touch or gesture of fondness, tenderness, or love. tr.v. ca·ressed, ca·ress·ing, ca·ress·es
[French caresse, from Italian carezza, from caro, dear, from Latin cārus; see kā- in Indo-European roots.] ca·ress'er n., ca·ress'ing·ly adv., ca·res'sive adj. Synonyms: These verbs mean to touch or handle affectionately: caressed the baby's forehead; cuddled the kitten in her arms; fondling the dog's ears; petting his pony. |
