Caress, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caressed; p. pr. & vb. n. Caressing.]
Etymology: [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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Caress, n.
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.
Shades of meaning
To caress is less than to embrace; more dignified and less familiar than to fondle. A visitor caresses a friend's child; a mother fondles her babe. Fondling is always by touch; caressing may be also by words, or other tender and pleasing attentions.
Prepositions
Caressed by or with the hand; caressed by admirers, at court.