Caress \Ca*ress"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Caressed} (k[.a]*r[e^]st"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Caressing}.] [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 bloodhound. --Sir W. Scott.
Syn: To fondle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter.
Usage: {Caress}, {Fondle}. ``We caress by words or actions; we fondle by actions only.'' --Crabb.
Caress \Ca*ress"\ (k[.a]*r[e^]s"), n. [F. caresse, It. carezza, LL. caritia dearness, fr. L. carus dear. See {Charity}.] 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.
"There are no barriers between the art and the visitors, which means that in this enormous department store of art and sculpture, you can caress a work with the palm of your hand," said Nathalie Obadia of the Templon gallery.
The writing seems paced so as to caress the reader's sensibilities, then to shock, and finally to inebriate with vagueness.
Although color combinations in cocktail dresses and pajama suits were shimmering with colors like flame red, shocking pink and fuchsia, the whole effect was as light as the softest caress.
The men turn to caress their partners; then passionately embrace them; then lift them high in the air. Now the sun breaks through and the music incites the dancers to frenzy.
He asks: "I can't caress your breast?" She changes the subject.