dainties

1 definition found

dainties - 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.]
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              I ne told no deyntee of her love.     --Chaucer.
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     2. That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.
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              That precious nectar may the taste renew
              Of Eden's dainties, by our parents lost. --Beau. &
                                                    Fl.
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     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.
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                  These delicacies
                  I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits,
                  and flowers,
                  Walks and the melody of birds.    --Milton.
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                  [A table] furnished plenteously with bread,
                  And dainties, remnants of the last regale.
                                                    --Cowper.
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