petting

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɛtɪŋ/, [ˈpʰɛɾɪŋ]
• Rhymes: -ɛtɪŋ

petting

1. present participle of pet

   I am petting my rabbit.

petting (countable and uncountable, plural pettings)

1. The act of stroking or gently patting an animal.
2. The act of kissing, stroking, etc., a person in a sexual manner.
3. The act of indulging or treating as a favourite.
   • Louisa May Alcott, Good Wives

     'Come, Jo, don't be thorny. After studying himself to a skeleton all the week, a fellow deserves petting, and ought to get it.'

• heavy petting

• foreplay