KISSING

caressing, cuddling, fondling, hugging, kissing, necking, petting, smooching, snuggling

(noun) affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Verb

kissing

present participle of kiss

Adjective

kissing (not comparable)

That kisses.

Just touching.

Etymology 2

Noun

kissing (countable and uncountable, plural kissings)

The act of giving a kiss.

Source: Wiktionary

KISS

Kiss, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Kissed;p. pr. & vb. n. Kissing.] Etym: [OE. kissen, cussen, AS. cyssan, fr. coss a kiss; of uncertain origin; akin to D. kus, G. kuss, Icel. koss.]

1. To salute with the lips, as a mark of affection, reverence, submission, forgiveness, etc. He . . . kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack, That at the parting all the church echoed. Shak.

2. To touch gently, as if fondly or caressingly. When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees. Shak.

Kiss, v. i.

1. To make or give salutation with the lips in token of love, respect, etc.; as, kiss and make friends.

2. To meet; to come in contact; to touch fondly. Like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume. Shak. Rose, rose and clematis, Trail and twine and clasp and kiss. Tennyson. Kissing comfit, a perfumed sugarplum to sweeten the breath. [Obs or Prov. End.] Shak.

Kiss, n. Etym: [OE. kiss, derived under the influence of the verb from the older form coss, AS. coss. See Kiss, v.]

1. A salutation with the lips, as a token of affection, respect, etc.; as, a parting kiss; a kiss of reconciliation. Last with a kiss, she took a long farewell. Dryden. Dear as remembered kisses after death. Tennyson.

2. A small piece of confectionery.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition