Touch lovingly (3)
'touch lovingly' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for caress that I've seen before include "Scares with loving stroke" , "Stroke gently" , "Stroke lovingly" , "Gentle affectionate stroking" , "Gentle loving touch" .)
(Other definitions for pat that I've seen before include "Touch lightly - bit of butter?" , "Apt for tender touch" , "Portion of butter" , "Knob (of butter)" , "Gentle stroke of the hand with fluent repetition" .)