Main Entry: ¹stroke

Pronunciation: \ˈstrōk\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): stroked; strok·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English strācian; akin to Old High German strīhhan to stroke — more at strike

Date: before 12th century

1 : to rub gently in one direction; also : caress
2 : to flatter or pay attention to in a manner designed to reassure or persuade

— strok·er noun