dainty

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Elegant

   Elegant; delicately small and pretty.

   • As for thoſe People of the Eaſt, (Goa, Calecute, Malaca,) they vvere a Fine, and Dainty People; Frugall, and yet Elegant, though not Militar.
   • Those dainty limbs which nature lent / For gentle usage and soft delicacy.
   • However, with the dainty volume my quondam friend sprang into fame. At the same time he cast off the chrysalis of a commonplace existence.
2. 2

   Fastidious and fussy, especially when eating.

   • UUho when he ſhal embrace you in his arms UUil tell how many thouſand men he ſlew. And when you looke for amorous diſcourſe, Will rattle foorth his facts of war and blood: Too harſh a ſubiect for your daintie eares.
   • And let us not be dainty of leave taking, / But shift away.
3. 3

   Excellent

   Excellent; valuable, fine.

   • Heliogabalus the most dissolute man of the world, amidst his most riotous sensualities, intended, whensoever occasion should force him to it, to have a daintie death.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A delicacy (choice or pleasing food).

      • […]my case was deplorable enough, yet I had great cause for thankfulness that I was not driven to any extremities for food, but had rather plenty, even to dainties.
      • And now a maiden […] ſupplied them, next, / With a reſplendent table, which the chaſte / Directreſs of the ſtores furniſh'd with bread / And dainties, remnants of the laſt regale.
   2. 5

      A fancy cookie, pastry, or square, frequently homemade, served at a social event.

   3. 6

      Esteem, honour.

   4. 7

      An affectionate term of address.

      • I am not eager at forbidden dainties

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