Emily Dickinson Lexicon

caress (-ed, -es), v. [Fr. 'caress, fondle' < It. < late L. carus, dear.]

1. Touch softly; make physical contact; embrace with tenderness; [fig.] affect.
2. Stroke; muss; tussle; [fig.] stimulate; agitate; make the skin crawl in; cause goose bumps in; activate hair erector muscles in.
3. Squeeze; [fig.] draw; pull in; set off; cause to react.
4. Cherish; treasure; care for; hold dear; dare to love; express affection for.