fondling

• POS: Verb (usu participle)

CIDE DICTIONARY

fondling, n. [From Fondle.].

 The act of caressing; manifestation of tenderness.  [1913 Webster]
"Cyrus made no . . . amorous fondling
To fan her pride, or melt her guardless heart."  [1913 Webster]

fondling, n. [Fond + -ling.].

•  A person or thing fondled or caressed; one treated with foolish or doting affection.  [1913 Webster]

  "Fondlings are in danger to be made fools."  [1913 Webster]
•  A fool; a simpleton; a ninny.  Chapman.  [1913 Webster]

THESAURUS

fondling

amorous dalliance, billing and cooing, bundling, caressing, cosset, cuddling, dalliance, darling, favorite, hugging, idol, jewel, kissing, lollygagging, lovemaking, matinee idol, minion, necking, nestling, nuzzling, pet, petting, preference, sexual intercourse, snuggling, spoiled child, spooning

ROGET THESAURUS

fondling

Favorite

N favorite, pet, cosset, minion, idol, jewel, spoiled child, enfant gat_e, led captain, crony, fondling, apple of one's eye, man after one's own heart, persona grata, love dear, darling, duck, duckey, honey, sugar, jewel, mopsey, moppet, princess, sweetheart, sweetie, teacher's pet, general favorite, universal favorite, idol of the people.

Endearment

N endearment, caress, blandishment, blandiment, panchement, fondling, billing and cooing, dalliance, necking, petting, sporting, sparking, hanky-panky, caressing, embrace, salute, kiss, buss, smack, osculation, deosculation, amorous glances, courtship, wooing, suit, addresses, the soft impeachment, lovemaking, serenading, caterwauling, flirting, flirtation, gallantry, coquetry, true lover's knot, plighted love, love tale, love token, love letter, billet-doux, valentine, honeymoon, Strephon and Chloe, caressing, sighing like furnace, love-sick, spoony, caressed, faint heart neer won fair lady, kisses honeyed by oblivion.