Main Entry: ¹ca·ress

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈres\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: French caresser, from Italian carezzare, from carezza

Date: 1598

1 : to treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness : cherish
2 a : to touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner b : to touch or affect as if with a caress <echoes that caress the ear>

— ca·ress·er noun

— ca·ress·ing·ly \kə-ˈre-siŋ-lē\ adverb