The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word FEELING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
F
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More clues leading to the result FEELING
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Touching" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case touching = feeling.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 FEELING mean?
FEELING verb- (heading) To use or experience the sense of touch.
- (heading) To sense or think emotionally or judgmentally.
- To be or become aware of.
- To experience the consequences of.
- To seem (through touch or otherwise).
- To understand.
- Sensation, particularly through the skin.
- Emotion; impression.
- (always in the plural) Emotional state or well-being.
- (always in the plural) Emotional attraction or desire.
- Intuition.
- An opinion, an attitude.
- Emotionally sensitive.
- Expressive of great sensibility; attended by, or evincing, sensibility.