knead

To mix and work into a uniform mass, as by folding, pressing, and stretching with the hands.

To make or shape by or as if by folding, pressing, and stretching with the hands.

To squeeze, press, or roll with the hands, as in massaging.

To manipulate by squeezing, pressing, or thumping different parts of; work upon by successive thumps or compressions: as, to knead a person’s limbs in the operation of massage.

Specifically To work upon, as plastic materials, by repeatedly pressing or squeezing; prepare or mix by working over and over with the hands or by tools or machinery, as dough for bread or clay for bricks.

Hence To mix thoroughly; incorporate; form into a homogeneous compound.

To make by kneading.

To perform movements like kneading, with the paws; — said of cats, which may knead{3} a master’s body when stroked, presumably a sign of contentment.

To work and press into a mass, usually with the hands; esp., to work, as by repeated pressure with the knuckles, into a well mixed mass, as the materials of bread, cake, etc..

Fig.: To treat or form as by kneading; to beat.