patting
pat-ting
verb
Gently tapping someone or something repeatedly, often to show affection or comfort.
"She was patting the dog's head gently."
noun
The act of gently tapping someone or something, often to soothe or encourage.
"A comforting patting on the shoulder."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: dab, tap, pat, rap, chuck, plausible, slick, glib, appropriate