Fondlings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A gentle and affectionate touch or caress, typically involving playful or loving gestures
2. The act of caressing or stroking someone with warmth and tenderness, expressing endearment
3. An intimate action characterized by soft, loving touches or embraces that convey fondness and care

Etymology: "Fondlings" is the plural of "fondling", a noun for gentle, affectionate touches. That noun is built from "fondle" and the suffix "-ing". "Fondle" itself grows from "fond", which in Middle English meant foolish or doting before it came to mean loving.