Ca‐ress″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Caressed (–rĕst″); p. pr. & vb. n.Caressing.] [F. caresser, fr. It. carezzare, fr. carezza caress. See Caress., n.] To treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness; to touch or speak to in a loving or endearing manner; to fondle.
The lady caresses the rough bloodhound.
Sir W. Scott.
Syn. — To fondle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter. — Caress, Fondle. “We caress by words or actions; we fondle by actions only.” Crabb.