caressingn.adj.
A. n.
The action of caress v.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [noun] > act of kindness > action of treating kindly
caressing1665
1665 J. Spencer Disc. Vulgar Prophecies 69 In caressing of Christ by some pretty attributes.
B. adj.
That caresses; fondling, endearing.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > action of caressing > [adjective]
fawninga1400
fondling1582
miniard1584
ingling1595
flattering1650
caressinga1774
canoodling1859
caressant1861
a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) I. xv. 153 The same civility and caressing expressions.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 441 His caressing manners.
Derivatives
caˈressingly adv. in a caressing manner.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > action of caressing > [adverb]
fawninga1387
fondlinglya1772
fawningly1790
fondly1816
caressingly1834
caressively1913
1834 Mrs. Hemans in Blackwood's Mag. 35 634 A bright rill wound Caressingly about the holy ground.
a1845 T. Hood Cupid Greyb. Passing his hand caressingly over her curls.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1888; most recently modified version published online December 2019).
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n.adj.1665