The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Caress \Ca*ress"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Caressed
   (k[.a]*r[e^]st"); p. pr. & vb. n. Caressing.] [F. caresser,
   fr. It. carezzare, fr. carezza caress. See Caress., n.]
   To treat with tokens of fondness, affection, or kindness; to
   touch or speak to in a loving or endearing manner; to fondle.
   [1913 Webster]

         The lady caresses the rough bloodhound.  --Sir W.
                                                  Scott.

   Syn: To fondle; embrace; pet; coddle; court; flatter.

   Usage: Caress, Fondle. "We caress by words or actions; we
          fondle by actions only." --Crabb.
          [1913 Webster] caressing

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

caressing \caressing\ caressive \caressive\adj.
   showing love. caressing words
   [WordNet 1.5]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

caressing \caressing\ n.
   1. the act of embracing; holding in one's arms .
      [PJC]

   2. foreplay without contact with the genital organs.

   Syn: caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, kissing,
        necking, petting, smooching, snuggling.
        [WordNet 1.5]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

caressing
    n 1: affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the
         genital organs) [syn: caressing, cuddling, fondling,
         hugging, kissing, necking, petting, smooching,
         snuggling]