fondle

Fondle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fondled; p. pr. & vb. n. Fondling.]

Etymology: [From Fond, v.]

To treat or handle with tenderness or in a loving manner; to caress; as, a nurse fondles a child.

Syn.- See Caress.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for fondle; he lists it under caress.

Where he writes about it:

To caress is less than to embrace; more dignified and less familiar than to fondle. — from caress