Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Endearment \En*dear"ment\, n.
   The act of endearing or the state of being endeared; also,
   that which manifests, excites, or increases, affection. ``The
   great endearments of prudent and temperate speech.'' --Jer.
   Taylor.

         Her first endearments twining round the soul.
                                                  --Thomson.

Source : WordNet®

endearment
     n : the act of showing affection