Etymology
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petting (n.)

1873, "fondling, indulgence," verbal noun from pet (v.). Meaning "amorous caressing, foreplay" is from 1920 (in F. Scott Fitzgerald).

Entries linking to petting

pet (v.)

1620s, "treat as a pet," from pet (n.1). Sense of "to stroke" is first found 1818. Slang sense of "kiss and caress" is from 1920 (implied in petting). Related: Petted.

updated on May 11, 2020

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Dictionary entries near petting

Petronilla

petrous

petticoat

pettifogger

pettifogging

petting

pettish

pettitoes

petty

petulance

petulant

© 2001-2022 Douglas Harper