handholding

[hand-hohl-ding]

noun

the act of holding hands, especially as a sign or token of affection.
constant reassurance and help, especially as an indication of one's interest or confidence: We do a lot of handholding with our clients.

Origin of handholding

First recorded in 1905–10; hand + holding

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Even an existing bond benefits from reviewing the fine art of hand-holding and sharing a porch swing.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week, June 26-July 2, 2011
Starsky + Cox
June 26, 2011
In February 1983, Vice President was dispatched on a hand-holding mission to our allies in Europe.
My Brush With Obama's Top Spook
Christopher Buckley
November 29, 2008

She's an old cat, like her pussyfooting, hand-holding husband.
Main Street
Sinclair Lewis
I've gone following after you kinder heedless-like till—till he gave me a blow twixt the eyes, with his hand-holding and kissing.
Joyce of the North Woods
Harriet T. Comstock
I wasn't napping when I saw that hand-holding and kissing from the131 top of Beacon Hill.
Joyce of the North Woods
Harriet T. Comstock
"Lollapalussing" was a Tweedles word and meant sentimental spooning and a hand-holding tendency.
Back at School with the Tucker Twins
Nell Speed
Then he laughed, realizing that the hand-holding and the rest were no longer criminal offenses.
The Portygee
Joseph Crosby Lincoln