Dainty (?), n.; pl. Dainties (#). [OE. deinie, dainte, deintie, deyntee, OF. deintié 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. 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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