/ ˈdeɪnti; NAmE / adjective ( dain·tier , dain·ti·est )
1.
( of people and things ) small and delicate in a way that people find attractive
SYN delicate :
dainty feet
a dainty porcelain cup
2.
( of movements ) careful, often in a way that suggests good manners
SYN delicate :
She took a dainty little bite of the apple.
► dain·tily adverb :
She blew her nose as daintily as possible.
► dain·ti·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (as noun): from Old French daintie , deintie choice morsel, pleasure, from Latin dignitas worthiness or beauty, from dignus worthy.