The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word PETTED
P
E
T
T
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "stroked" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stroked = petted.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PETTED mean?
PETTED verb- To stroke or fondle (an animal).
- To stroke or fondle (another person) amorously.
- Of two or more people, to stroke and fondle one another amorously.
- To treat as a pet; to fondle; to indulge.
- To be a pet.
- To be peevish; to sulk.