Ca*ress" (?), n. [F. caresse, It. carezza, LL. caritia dearness, fr. L. carus dear. See Charity.]
An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness.
Wooed her with his soft caresses.
Langfellow.
He exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command.
Macaulay.
© Webster 1913.
Ca*ress", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caressed (?); 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 bloodhoun.
Sir W. Scott.
Syn. -- To foundle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter. -- Caress, Fondle. "We caress by words or actions; we fondle by actions only."
Crabb.
© Webster 1913.