Were touchingly affectionate (6)

I believe the answer is:

kissed

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'were' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot see how one could define the other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for kissed that I've seen before include "Bussed" , "Touched with lips" , "slightly touched" , "Touched lightly" , "Osculated" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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