petting /ˈpɛtɪŋ/ noun3 •The act of stroking or gently patting an animal. •The act of kissing, stroking, etc., a person in a sexual manner. •The act of indulging or treating as a favourite.'Come, Jo, don't be thorny. After studying himself to a skeleton all the week, a fellow deserves petting, and ought to get it.' — 1869 formspettings
