Crossword Genius

Gently touch, either forward or backward (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pat

(Other definitions for pat that I've seen before include "Gentle stroke of the hand with fluent repetition" , "Touch; name" , "Touch lightly - bit of butter?" , "well-rehearsed" , "Apt for tender touch" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.
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