ca|ress

ca|ress «kuh REHS», noun, verb, -ressed or (Archaic or Poetic) -rest, -ress|ing.

–n.

1. a touch showing affection; tender embrace or kiss: »

The little boy was embarrassed by his aunt's caresses.

2. an expression of public regard or esteem; show of popular favor: »

when the gifts and caresses of mankind shall recompense the toils of study (Samuel Johnson).

–v.t.

1. a) to touch or stroke affectionately; embrace or kiss tenderly: »

The mother caressed her baby. My very hands seem to caress her (Longfellow).

b) to touch lightly; affect in a soothing manner: »

Its prolonged echoes caress the ear (James Russell Lowell).

2. to treat with kindness; show favor to: »

without being much countenanced or caressed by his superiors (Samuel Johnson).

╂[< Middle French caresse < Italian carezza < Latin cārus dear]

–ca|ress´a|ble, adjective.

–ca|ress´er, noun.

–ca|ress´ing|ly, adverb.