1. (

• stroke ,
• stroking

) a light touch with the hands ;

1. (

• stroke

) touch lightly and repeatedly, as with brushing motions; "He stroked his long beard" ;

2. (

• stroke

) strike a ball with a smooth blow ;

3. (

• stroke ,

) row at a particular rate ;

4. (

• stroke

) treat gingerly or carefully; "You have to stroke the boss" ;