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caress (n.)

1640s, "a 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" (from PIE root *ka- "to like, desire"). Meaning "affectionate stroke" attested in English from 1650s. Related to charity, cherish.

caress (v.)

"bestow caresses upon, stroke or pat affectionately;" also "treat with fondness or kindness," 1650s, from French caresser, from Italian carezzare "to cherish," from carezza "endearment" (see caress (n.)). Related: Caressed; caressing.

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Definitions of caress from WordNet
1
caress (v.)
touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner;
He caressed her face
Synonyms: fondle
2
caress (n.)
a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it);
soft music was a fond caress
From wordnet.princeton.edu