petting

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of pet

   “I am petting my rabbit.”

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act of stroking or gently patting an animal.
2. (countable, uncountable)The act of kissing, stroking, etc., a person in a sexual manner.
3. (countable, uncountable)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.'”