Caress

an act or gesture expressing affection, as an embrace or kiss, especially a light stroking or touching.
to touch or pat gently to show affection.
to touch, stroke, etc., lightly, as if in affection:
The breeze caressed the trees.
to treat with favor, kindness, etc.
Contemporary Examples

He lets her stare deep into his eyes, clasp his hands for meaningful conversation, caress his face, and even lean in for a kiss.
John McCain & More Politicos’ Comedy Sitcom Cameo Wins & Fails (VIDEO) Kevin Fallon September 20, 2012

Free traders get up and fetch the bottle of scotch so that they can at least caress the neck.
Debate Liveblogging Megan McArdle October 16, 2012

But they looked really into each other—they held hands and kissed, and I saw Chris caress her cheek.
Why Did Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin Split Six Days After Closing On A $14M Mansion? Melissa Leon March 25, 2014

Get your hands in there again, making sure to caress the chicken and get it covered up in those juices.
How to Cook ‘Ghetto Gourmet’ The Daily Beast December 7, 2009

Historical Examples

He could not console her with a kiss and a caress, and a bonbon, of course.
The Road to Understanding Eleanor H. Porter

Men in his condition were apt to be as quick with a blow as with a caress.
K Mary Roberts Rinehart

The day was pure, exquisite in its waning beauty; the breeze as light and soft as a caress.
The Light of Scarthey Egerton Castle

A word of consolation, a caress, even from her mother, would have distressed her.
The Dream Emile Zola

Naturally she turned to caress the poetic while she had it beside her.
The Tragic Comedians, Complete George Meredith

She was not conscious—how could she be and not shrink from my caress?
Green Mansions W. H. Hudson

noun
a gentle touch or embrace, esp one given to show affection
verb
(transitive) to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection: the wind caressed her face
n.

1640s, “show of endearment, display of regard,” from French caresse (16c.), back-formation from caresser or else from Italian carezza “endearment,” from caro “dear,” from Latin carus “dear, costly, beloved” (see whore (n.)). Meaning “affectionate stroke” attested in English from 1650s.
v.

1650s, from French caresser, from Italian carezzare “to cherish,” from carezza “endearment” (see caress (n.)). Related: Caressed; caressing.