I. ˈdān-tē noun
( plural dain·ties )
Etymology: Middle English deinte high esteem, delight, from Anglo-French deinté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas dignity, worth
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : something delicious to the taste
b. : something choice or pleasing
2. obsolete : fastidiousness
II. adjective
( dain·ti·er ; -est )
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : tasting good : tasty
b. : attractively prepared and served
2. : marked by delicate or diminutive beauty, form, or grace
dainty teacups
3. obsolete : chary , reluctant
4.
a. : marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky taste
b. : showing avoidance of anything rough
Synonyms: see choice
• dain·ti·ly ˈdān-tə-lē adverb
• dain·ti·ness ˈdān-tē-nəs noun