Dainty — Defs

01 n. Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in anything.

pl. Dainties ((#))

1.
Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in anything.[Obs.]
“I ne told no deyntee of her love.” — Chaucer.
2.
That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.
“That precious nectar may the taste renew Of Eden's dainties, by our parents lost.” — Beau. & Fl.
3.
A term of fondness.[Poetic]
“These delicacies I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers, Walks and the melody of birds.” — Milton.

“[A table] furnished plenteously with bread, And dainties, remnants of the last regale.” — Cowper.

Syn. Dainty, Delicacy.

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.

02 a. Rare; valuable; costly.

1.
Rare; valuable; costly.[Obs.]
“Full many a deynté horse had he in stable.” — Chaucer.
2.
Delicious to the palate; toothsome.
“Dainty bits Make rich the ribs.” — Shak.
3.
Nice; delicate; elegant, in form, manner, or breeding; well-formed; neat; tender.
“Those dainty limbs which nature lent For gentle usage and soft delicacy.” — Milton.

“I would be the girdle. About her dainty, dainty waist.” — Tennyson.
4.
Requiring dainties. Hence: Overnice; hard to please; fastidious; squeamish; scrupulous; ceremonious.
“Thew were a fine and dainty people.” — Bacon.

“And let us not be dainty of leave-taking, But shift away.” — Shak.

“Ah ha, my mistresses! which of you all Will now deny to dance? She that makes dainty, She, I'll swear, hath corns.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

To make dainty — to assume or affect delicacy or fastidiousness.