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dainties |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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.] 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] --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. 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.
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