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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

For a majority of the music video, Gaga rocks a leather-glove bandeau that at points moves and caresses her breasts.
Deconstructing Lady Gaga’s 5 Bras in “Applause” Erin Cunningham August 18, 2013

He described opium as “an old and terrible lover and, like all lovers, overflowing with caresses—and betrayals.”
Baudelaire’s Femme Fatale Muse James MacManus May 6, 2013

The three live above a blind poet (Richard E. Grant), who cries as he caresses the books he could once see.
Madonna’s New Movie Salutes…Madonna! Rachel Syme October 16, 2008

Historical Examples

He looked at her somewhat abashed, but soon submitted to her caresses.
The Library Magazine of Select Foreign Literature Various

Fido knew that, for there were caresses in every stroke of the dimpled hands.
A Little Book of Profitable Tales Eugene Field

The sufferings of her mind gave to her words and her caresses a glowing warmth that issued from her soul.
The Alkahest Honore de Balzac

They struggled in this manner with a rattling in their throats, writhing in the horror of their caresses.
Therese Raquin Emile Zola

As for Robert, he had nothing to give but caresses, which he freely lavished upon his deliverer and upon Thaouka.
In Search of the Castaways Jules Verne

We indulged in caresses which were no longer innocent, as we well knew.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete Jacques Casanova de Seingalt

But Willie saw only the wild eyes of Lenora, who caught him in her arms, overwhelming him with caresses.
Homestead on the Hillside Mary Jane Holmes

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.