kiss Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
buss; osculation.
noun a cookie made of egg whites and sugar
noun any of several bite-sized candies
candy kiss.
noun a light glancing touch
- there was a brief kiss of their hands in passing
verb touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
buss; osculate; snog.
- The newly married couple kissed
- She kissed her grandfather on the forehead when she entered the room
verb touch lightly or gently
- the blossoms were kissed by the soft rain

OE. kissen, cussen, AS. cyssan, fr. coss a kiss; of uncertain origin; akin to D. kus, G. kuss, Icel. koss.

imperfect & past participle Kissed ;present participle & verbal noun Kissing

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

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

OE. kiss, derived under the influence of the verb from the older form coss, AS. coss. See Kiss, v.

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.
A small piece of confectionery.