Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STROKE, v.t. [Sax. stracan; Sw. stryka; Russ. strogayu, strugayu, to plane. See Strike and Strict.]

1. To rub gently with the hand by way of expressing kindness or tenderness; to soothe. He dried the falling drops, and yet more kind, / He strok'd her cheeks. – Dryden.
2. To rub gently in one direction. – Gay.
3. To make smooth.