[del.i.ca.tes.sen] n pl [obs. G (now Delikatessen), pl. of Delicatesse delicacy, fr. F delicatesse, prob. fr. OIt delicatezza, fr. delicato delicate, fr. L delicatus] (1889) 1: ready-to-eat food products (as cooked meats and prepared salads)
2. sing, pl delicatessens [delicatessen (store)]: a store where delicatessen are sold