Dainty /(?)/

pl. Dainties

1. Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in anything. [Obs.]

   I ne told no deyntee of her love.

2. That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.

   That precious nectar may the taste renew Of Eden's dainties, by our parents lost.

3. A term of fondness. [Poetic]

   These delicacies I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers, Walks and the melody of birds.

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

1. Rare; valuable; costly. [Obs.]

   Full many a deynté horse had he in stable.

2. Delicious to the palate; toothsome.

   Dainty bits Make rich the ribs.

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.

   I would be the girdle. About her dainty, dainty waist.

4. Requiring dainties. Hence: Overnice; hard to please; fastidious; squeamish; scrupulous; ceremonious.

   Thew were a fine and dainty people.

   And let us not be dainty of leave-taking, But shift away.

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