ETYM French caresse, Italian carezza, Late Lat. caritia dearness, from Latin carus dear. Related to Charity.
(Irregular plural: caresses).
A gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it).
Frôlement.
To touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner:.
Cajoler.
1. Cajoler.
2. Câliner. Caresser un enfant.
3. (Au figuré) Se complaire ŕ. Caresser une idée.