a gentle touch, especially one that expresses love or affection, for example in the form of a patting or stroking motion;
e.g. They felt the caress of the waves on their toes as they walked on the beach. She hugged me tightly and gave me a caress on my cheek, which made me feel better.
(verb)
to gently touch or stroke someone/something, often as an expression of love or affection;
e.g. He reached up to caress her face with his fingers.