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 : caress2: to flatter or pay attention to in a manner designed to reassure or persuade

— strok·er noun