noun
1.
an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, especially a light stroking or touching.
verb (used with object)
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.
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Caressingly
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
Origin:
1605–15; < French caresse < Italian carezza < Vulgar Latin *caritia, equivalent to Latin cār(us) dear + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; compare charity
1605–15; < French caresse < Italian carezza < Vulgar Latin *caritia, equivalent to Latin cār(us) dear + -itia suffix of abstract nouns; compare charity
Related forms
ca·ress·a·ble, adjective
ca·ress·er, noun
ca·ress·ing·ly, adverb
un·ca·ressed, adjective
un·ca·ress·ing, adjective
EXPANDun·ca·ress·ing·ly, adverb
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. pat, fondling, hug.
1. pat, fondling, hug.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To caressingly
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
caress
1651, from Fr. caresser, from It. carezzare "endearment," ult. from L. carita, from carus "dear" (see whore).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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