Caress

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CARESSED (ka-rĕst′); p. pr. & vb. n. CARESSING.] [Fr. caresser, It. carezzare and careggiare, from L. Lat. caritia, caress, Sp. caricia, It. carezza, from Lat. carus, dear.] To treat with fondness, affection, or kindness; to fondle.

The lady caresses the rough blood-hound. W. Scott.