[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

dainty \dain"ty\, n.; pl. dainties. oe. deinie, dainte,
   deintie, deyntee, of. deinti'e delicacy, orig., dignity,
   honor, fr. l. dignitas, fr. dignus worthy. see deign, and
   cf. dignity.
   1. value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in
      anything. obs.
      1913 webster

            i ne told no deyntee of her love.     --chaucer.
      1913 webster

   2. that which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.
      1913 webster

            that precious nectar may the taste renew
            of eden's dainties, by our parents lost. --beau. 
                                                  fl.
      1913 webster

   3. a term of fondness. poetic --b. jonson.

   syn: dainty, delicacy.

   usage: these words are here compared as denoting articles of
          food. the term delicacy as applied to a nice article
          of any kind, and hence to articles of food which are
          particularly attractive. dainty is stronger, and
          denotes some exquisite article of cookery. a hotel may
          be provided with all the delicacies of the season, and
          its table richly covered with dainties.
          1913 webster

                these delicacies
                i mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits,
                and flowers,
                walks and the melody of birds.    --milton.
          1913 webster

                a table furnished plenteously with bread,
                and dainties, remnants of the last regale.
                                                  --cowper.
          1913 webster
see also:
dainties deign dignity dainty delicacy 

Dainties >> D Words
Dainties, definition of term: Dainties
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