Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CA-RESS', v.t. [Fr. caresser; Arm. cheriçza, to caress, and to cherish; W. caredigaw; It. carezza, flattery, a caressing; careggiare, to coax, flatter, esteem; Sp. caricia, a caress; acariciar, to caress, cherish, fondle; Port. id. It may be from the common root of L. carus, Fr. cher, cherir, W. car. But some difficulties attend this hypothesis.]

To treat with fondness, affection, or kindness; to fondle; to embrace with tender affection, as a parent a child. – South.