Caress

Part of speech: noun (n.)

An act of endearment; any act or expression of affection; an embracing, or touching, with tenderness. Wooed her with his soft caresses. Langfellow. He exerted himself to win by indulgence and caresses the hearts of all who were under his command. Macaulay.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness; to touch or speak to in a loving or endearing manner; to fondle. The lady caresses the rough bloodhoun. Sir W. Scott.

Synonyms: foundle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter. Caress, Fondle. "We caress by words or actions; we fondle by actions only." Crabb.