1. plural of fondling; people or creatures that are fondled or treated with affection
Usage: often used in literary or poetic contexts; can refer to beloved persons or pets
2. plural of fondling; instances or acts of touching or caressing affectionately
Usage: gerundial noun form

Examples

• The mother's fondlings of her newborn were gentle and loving.
• The dog enjoyed the child's fondlings and wagged its tail happily.
• His fondlings of the violin showed his deep affection for the instrument.
• The fondlings between old friends were warm and nostalgic.
• She remembered the fondlings of her grandmother's hands on her cheek.
• The cat purred during the fondlings from its owner.