DELICATE

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure Date: 14th century pleasing to the senses:, generally pleasant , pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way , marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions , marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture , 2. marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination , fastidious , squeamish , 3. not robust in health or constitution ; weak , sickly , easily torn or damaged ; fragile , 4. requiring careful handling:, easily unsettled or upset , requiring skill or tact , involving matters of a deeply personal nature ; sensitive , marked by care, skill, or tact , marked by great precision or sensitivity , see: choice ~ly adverb II. noun Date: 15th century something ~