daintyn.
/ˈdeɪnti/, U.S. /ˈdeɪn(t)i/ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > [noun]
talec1175
daintya1250
price?a1300
accounta1393
recommendation1433
conceita1438
opiniona1450
tendershipc1460
regard?1533
sense1565
mense1567
sake1590
eye1597
consideration1598
esteem1611
choicea1616
recommends1623
value1637
appreciation1650
mass1942
a1250 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Nero) (1952) 188 Me let lesse deinte to þinge þet me haueð ofte.
c1305 St. Dunstan 35 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 35 For deynte þat he hadde of him: he let him sone bringe Bifore þe prince of Engelond.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xi. 47 Of dowel ne dobet no deyntee me ne þouȝte.
c1430 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes Prol. 52 These Poetes..Were by olde time had in great deintye With Kinges.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiii. 475 Schir eduard..Lufit [him], and held in sic dante [1489 Adv. daynte].
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. viii. 28 Sen ȝonne..man, deir sister, the Was wount to cherise, and hald in gret dantie.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > [noun]
merrinesseOE
gladnessc900
mirtheOE
playeOE
dreamOE
gladshipc975
lissOE
willOE
hightOE
blithenessc1000
gladc1000
winOE
blissc1175
delices?c1225
delight?c1225
joy?c1225
comfortc1230
listc1275
gladhead1303
daintyc1325
fainnessc1340
lightnessa1350
delectationc1384
delightingc1390
comfortationa1400
fainheada1400
blithec1400
fainc1400
delicacyc1405
gladsomeness1413
reveriea1425
joyousitiea1450
joyfulnessc1485
jucundity1536
joyousness1549
joc1560
delightfulness1565
jouissance1579
joyance1590
levitya1631
revelling1826
chuckle1837
joyancy1849
a song in one's heart1862
delightsomeness1866
c1325 Song of Yesterday 5 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 133 Þei haue no deynte forto dele With þinges þat bene deuotly made.
c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale 41 Euery wight hath deyntee to chaffare With hem.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 66 The reeding in the Bible..drawith the reders..fro loue and deinte of the world.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xii. 159 Than all ran in-to gret dantee [1489 Adv. daynte] The Erll of murreff for till se.
?1499 J. Skelton Bowge of Courte (de Worde) sig. Bijv Trowest thou..That I haue deynte to see the cherysshed thus.
?1507 W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in Poems (1998) I. 52 Adew, dolour, adew, my daynte now begynis.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [noun]
goodnessOE
mund?c1250
daintethc1290
bountyc1300
daintyc1300
excellencec1384
virtuea1393
excellency?a1400
nobilitya1400
meritc1425
singularity?c1450
fineness1523
admirationa1533
rareness1545
rightness1561
rariety1566
rarity1566
excellentness1569
beautya1586
admirableness1607
primeness1611
gallantry1650
eximiety1656
optimity1656
altesse1660
unexceptionableness1669
excellingness1701
quality1803
sterlingness1815
stupendosity1828
goodliness1832
superbness1832
unexceptionability1837
sweetness and light1867
class1884
rortiness1885
rippingness1903
superstardom1928
motherfucker1977
awesomeness1998
c1300 K. Alis. 7070 They haven seolk, gret plenté, And maken clothis of gret deynté.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3655 Venison þou has him nommen, Wit dainte dight til his be-houe.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 117/1 Dente (K.H.P. deynte), lauticia.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [noun]
curiosityc1386
delicacya1393
curiousnessc1440
delicatesse1509
delicateness?1529
daintethness1548
exquisiteness?c1550
over-curiousness1573
featness1577
daintiness1579
dainty1590
finicality1594
niceness1604
squeamishness1654
fastidiousness1661
choicenessa1665
overnicety1664
finicalness1675
hypercriticism1678
overniceness1694
nicety1723
over-delicacy1745
daintihood1780
finickiness1833
finicism1844
over-criticism1859
overfineness1859
particularness1859
faddiness1865
finicking1869
picksomeness1881
pernicketiness1890
perfectionism1937
choosiness1945
pickiness1952
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. ii. sig. B6v He feining seemely merth, And shee coy lookes: so dainty they say maketh derth.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. i. 196 Note this, the King is weary Of daintie and such picking greeuances. View more context for this quotation
a. concrete. Anything estimable, choice, fine, pleasing or delightful; hence occasionally, a luxury, rarity (cf. dainty adj. 2). Obsolete except as in 6.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [noun] > excellent thing
starOE
dainty1340
daisyc1485
say-piece1535
bravery1583
paragon1585
daint1633
rapper1653
supernaculum1704
dandy1785
roarer1813
sneezer1823
plum1825
trimmer1827
sockdolager1838
rasper1844
dinger1861
job1863
fizzer1866
champagne1880
beauty1882
pie1884
twanger1889
smasher1894
crackerjack1895
Taj Mahal1895
beaut1896
pearler1901
lollapalooza1904
bearcat1909
beaner1911
grande dame1915
Rolls-Royce1916
the nuts1917
pipperoo1939
rubydazzler1941
rumpty1941
rumptydooler1941
snodger1941
sockeroo1942
sweetheart1942
zinger1955
blue-chipper1957
ring-a-ding1959
premier cru1965
sharpie1970
stormer1978
the mind > emotion > pleasure > quality of being pleasant or pleasurable > [noun] > source of pleasure
honeycombOE
sweetness?c1225
dainty1340
sweet1377
delicec1390
lust1390
pleasancec1390
pleasingc1390
well-queema1400
well-queemnessa1400
douceurc1400
delectation?a1425
pleasure1443
pleaserc1447
delectabilitiesa1500
deliciositiesa1500
honeydew1559
delicacy1586
fancy1590
sugar candy1591
regalo1622
happiness1637
deliciousness1651
complacence1667
regalea1677
sweetener1741
bon-bon1856
Bones1869
jam1871
true love1893
nuts1910
barrel of fun (laughs, etc.)1915
G-spot1983
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7850 Þare es plenté of dayntes and delice.
a1400–50 Alexander 5298 Ware slike a wondire in oure marche of Messedone..It ware a daynte to deme.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue ii. iv. sig. Giiiv Plentie is no deyntie.
1617 B. Rich Irish Hubbub 47 It was a great dainties..euen amongst their greatest nobility, to see a cloake lined thorow with Veluet.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Wales 54 [He] made such a vent for Welsh Cottons, that what he found Drugs at home, he left Dainties beyond Sea.
1798 J. Ferriar Illustr. Sterne 227 Those who can only be allured by the dainties of knowledge.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > terms of endearment > [noun]
darlingc888
belamy?c1225
culver?c1225
dearc1230
sweetheartc1290
heartc1300
sweetc1330
honeya1375
dovec1386
jewelc1400
birdc1405
cinnamonc1405
honeycombc1405
lovec1405
wantonc1450
mulling?a1475
daisyc1485
crowdy-mowdy?a1513
honeysop?a1513
powsowdie?a1513
suckler?a1513
foolc1525
buttinga1529
whitinga1529
beautiful1534
turtle-dove1535
soula1538
heartikin1540
bully?1548
turtle1548
lamba1556
nyletc1557
sweet-lovea1560
coz1563
ding-ding1564
pugs1566
golpol1568
sparling1570
lover1573
pug1580
bulkin1582
mopsy1582
chuck1589
bonny1594
chick1594
sweetikin1596
ladybird1597
angel1598
muss1598
pinkany1599
sweetkin1599
duck1600
joy1600
sparrowc1600
sucket1605
nutting1606
chuckaby1607
tickling1607
bagpudding1608
heartling1608
chucking1609
dainty1611
flittermouse1612
honeysuckle1613
fubs1614
bawcocka1616
pretty1616
old thinga1625
bun1627
duckling1630
bulchin1633
bulch?c1640
sweetling1648
friscoa1652
ding-dongs1662
buntinga1668
cocky1680
dearie1681
chucky1683
lovey1684
machree1689
nykin1693
pinkaninny1696
nug1699
hinny1724
puss1753
pet1767
dovey1769
sweetie1778
lovey-dovey1781
lovely1791
ducky1819
toy1822
acushla1825
alanna1825
treat1825
amigo1830
honey child1832
macushla1834
cabbage1840
honey-bunch1874
angel pie1878
m'dear1887
bach1889
honey baby1895
prawn1895
hon1896
so-and-so1897
cariad1899
pumpkin1900
honey-bun1902
pussums1912
snookums1919
treasure1920
wogger1922
amico1929
sugar1930
baby cake1949
angel cake1951
lamb-chop1962
petal1974
bae2006
1611 B. Jonson Catiline ii. sig. D4v There is a Fortune comming Towards you, Daintie . View more context for this quotation
6. esp. Anything pleasing or delicious to the palate; a choice viand, a delicacy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [noun] > delicacy or titbit
daintethc1290
daintyc1300
morselc1390
confection1393
delicec1405
delicacya1425
delicatea1475
friandise1484
deliciositiesa1500
daintive1526
junket1538
knack1548
daintrel1575
cate1578
pulpament1600
gaudy1622
regalo1622
daint1633
titbita1641
scitament1656
regale1673
knick-knack1682
nicety1704
bonne bouche1721
diablotin1770
sunket1788
regalement1795
confiture1802
bon-bon1821
sock1825
delicatessen1853
good things1861
tiddlywinks1893
c1300 Beket 1202 Heo servede this holi man and of deyntes him broȝte.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 255 Tho was there many a deinte fet And set to-fore hem on the bord.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 117 Delyce, or deyntes, delicie.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 291 Some whet their teethe upon sugred deinties.
1611 Bible (King James) Psalms cxli. 4 Let mee not eate of their dainties . View more context for this quotation
1794 R. Southey Wat Tyler iii. ii Your larders hung with dainties.
a1839 W. M. Praed Poems (1864) i. 305 The cunning caterer still must share The dainties which his toils prepare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > [verb (transitive)]
haveeOE
weenc1000
praisec1250
setc1374
set by1393
endaunt1399
prizec1400
reverencec1400
tender1439
repute1445
to have (also make, take) regard to or that1457
to take, make, set (no) count of (upon, by)c1475
pricec1480
to make (great, etc.) account (also count, esteem, estimation, reckoning, regard, store) of1483
force1509
to look upon ——c1515
to have (also hold) in estimationc1522
to make reckoning of1525
esteem1530
regard1533
to tell, make, hold, set (great, little, no) store of1540
value1549
to make dainty of (anything)1555
reckon1576
to be struck on1602
agrade1611
respect1613
beteem1627
appreciate1648
to put, set (an) esteem, a high, low esteem upon1665
to think small beer of1816
to think the world of1826
existimate1847
reckon1919
rate1973
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the mind > possession > retaining > niggardliness or meanness > be niggardly of [verb (transitive)]
pinch?1529
to make dainty of (anything)1555
scant1573
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. iii. 37 The moste noble Citrus, wherof the Romaines made greate deintie.
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus ix. 107/1 They will not make daintie of the name of our Lord Jesus Christe, to worke their subtill and mischeevous practises.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 26 Some..made noe dainty to beare any burden.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. v. 19 Which of you all will now refuse to dance? Shee that makes daintie, shee Ile sweare hath Corns. View more context for this quotation
a1617 S. Hieron Bargaine of Salt in Wks. (1620) II. 492 Shee ranne home and made no dainties of it; all her neighbours were the better for her store.
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1634) 410 Defer not, make not dainty of applying the promises.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 18 Hee that makes so dainty of his life, as that..he will not expose it to danger.
1638 D. Featley Stricturæ in Lyndomastygem ii. 122 in H. Lynde Case for Spectacles We have all reason to make great dainties of the noble confession of ..our Romish adversaries.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης iv. 43 If..he made so dainty, and were so loath to bestow a Parlament once in three yeare upon the Nation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > malediction > oaths > [interjection] > religious oaths (referring to God) > God's dignity or honour
by God's dignityc1405
dainty1564
God's dainty1564
by God's dines1599
'Sdeynes1616
1564 W. Bullein Dialogue against Fever Pestilence f. 46 V. Gods dentie Jacke sauce whence came you? R... How pretely you can call verlet, and sweare by Gods dintie.
1611 C. Tourneur Atheist's Trag. (new ed.) ii. sig. E4v S'daintie; I mistooke the place. I miss'd thine eare and hit thy lip.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
daintyadj.
/ˈdeɪnti/, U.S. /ˈdeɪn(t)i/ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 1253 To daly with derely your daynte wordeȝ.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 168 Ful many a deyntee hors hadde he in stable.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Rev. xviii. 14 All thynges which were deyntie and had in pryce.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 34 More deintie [1577 dainty; 1580 daintie] ye lamb, the more worth to be solde.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §389 The daintiest Smells of Flowers, are out of those plants, whose Leaves smell not.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 354. ⁋1 To hear Country Squires..cry, Madam, this is dainty Weather.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality vi, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. II. 134 Ay? Indeed? a scheme o' yours? that must be a dennty ane!
1855 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Yorks. Words 45 Denty or Dentyish, a weather term, genial, cheering.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > plurality > fewness > [adjective] > rare
scarce1398
dainty?a1500
rare1555
scant1581
few and far between1668
few and far between1668
spare1813
thin on the ground1951
the world > relative properties > quantity > insufficiency > [adjective] > limited in quantity or amount > scarce
gnedec1000
deara1330
scarcec1374
geason1377
dainty?a1500
scarcy1677
?a1500 How Plowman lerned Pater Noster 28 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 211 Malte had he plentye; And Martylmas befe to hym was not deyntye.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball vi. xi. 671 The blacke [whorts] are very common..but the red are dayntie, and founde but in fewe places.
1616 S. Hieron Dignitie of Preaching (new ed.) in Wks. (1620) I. 584 If sermons were dainty..they would be more esteemed.
1677 Lady Chaworth in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 37 A rare muffe, but judged to be some dainty squirell skin.
3. Pleasing to the palate, choice, delicate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > savouriness > [adjective]
likingeOE
goodOE
lickerousc1275
deliciousa1325
daintya1382
dainteousc1386
daintiful1393
delicatea1398
merrya1398
savourlyc1400
liciousc1420
savourousa1425
daintethc1430
lustyc1430
feelsomea1450
nuttya1450
seasonablea1475
delicativec1475
unctuous1495
well-tasteda1500
daintive1526
savoury1533
exquisite1561
spicy1562
well-relished?1575
finger-licking1584
toothsome1584
taste-pleasinga1586
daint1590
relishsome1593
lickerish1595
tastesome1598
friand1599
tooth-tempting1603
relishing1605
well-relishing1608
neat1609
hungry1611
palate-pleasing1611
tasteful1611
palatea1617
tastya1617
palatable1619
toothful1622
sipid1623
unsoured1626
famelic1631
tasteablea1641
piquant1645
sapid1646
saporousa1670
slape1671
palativea1682
flavorous1697
nice1709
well-flavoured1717
gusty1721
flavoury1727
fine-palated1735
unrepulsive1787
degustatory1824
zesty1826
peckish1845
mouth-watering1847
flavoursome1853
unreasty1853
unrancida1855
relishy1864
toothy1864
flavoured1867
tasty-looking1867
hungrifying1886
velvety1888
snappy1892
zippy1911
savoursome1922
delish1953
the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [adjective] > delicate or dainty
estlichc1200
daintya1382
dainteousc1386
daintiful1393
delicatea1398
daintethc1430
delicativec1475
daintive1526
exquisite1561
daint1590
friand1599
neat1609
nice1709
tid1727
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xxi. 17 Who looueth deynte metis.
c1386 G. Chaucer Pardoner's Tale 58 To gete a glotoun deyntee mete and drinke.
1541 R. Barnes Wks. (1573) 299/1 To eate..costly fishes, and that of the dentiest fashion dressed.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost i. i. 26 Daynty bits Make rich the ribbes. View more context for this quotation
1760 S. Johnson Idler 15 Mar. 81 Her House is elegant and her Table dainty.
1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker ii. 31 Fine wines and dainty dishes.
4. Of delicate or tender beauty or grace; delicately pretty; made with delicate taste.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adjective] > delicate or dainty
finea1375
dely?c1400
delicate?a1425
minionate1496
minion1528
minion1529
gingerly1534
daintyc1540
minikin1545
daint1590
inconyc1592
minic1598
delicated1605
minical1668
finickingc1749
minionette1749
dinky1788
daintified1834
airy-fairy1837
mignon1837
minny1942
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 3060 Her chyn..With a dympull full derne, daynté to se.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. v. 77 She is estemed, as a deinty derling, beloued of many.
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. June 6 The grassye ground with daintye Daysies dight.
1616 B. Jonson Epicœne iv. i, in Wks. I. 567 Let your gifts be slight, and daintie, rather then pretious. View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ i. xxviii. 54 Such a diaphonous pellucid dainty body as you see a Crystal-Glasse is.
1876 M. M. Grant Sun-maid I. vii. 219 There stood waiting for her the daintiest of little broughams.
5. † b. with of: Particular or scrupulous about (anything); careful, chary, or sparing of. Obsolete.† c. with infin.: Disinclined or reluctant (to do).
a. Of persons, etc.: Possessing or displaying delicate taste, perception, or sensibility; nice, fastidious, particular; sometimes, over-nice.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [adjective]
chisa700
estfula1000
esquaymous1303
squeamousc1325
overnicec1350
curiousc1380
dangerousc1386
delicatea1393
preciousc1395
nicec1400
skigc1400
over-delicatea1425
daintethc1430
ticklec1456
quaint1483
dauncha1500
pickinga1500
feat?1529
elegant?1533
queasy1545
fine1546
fine-fingered1549
fastidious?1555
fine-mouthed1559
chary1567
weamish1571
saucy1573
dainty1576
superfine1576
niced1577
overcurious1579
nicing1581
fineish1582
prick-me-dainty1583
daint1590
finical1592
tiptoe-nice1593
nice1594
nicking1598
choice1601
squeamish1608
marchpane1609
hypercritical1611
particular1616
finicking1661
overcritical1667
just so1696
penurious1703
fal-lal1747
ogertful1754
nackety1756
quiddling1789
pernickety1808
pershittie1808
taffety1814
hypercritic1820
faddy1824
finicky1825
meticulous1827
daintified1834
squeamy1838
picksome1855
choosey1862
picky1867
hyperaesthetic1879
persnickety1885
précieux1891
perskeet1897
tasty1905
Nice Nelly1922
perfectionist1942
snicketya1960
perfectionistic1968
1576 A. Fleming tr. Erasmus in Panoplie Epist. 357 Fine fellowes, that bee verie deintie and circumspect in speaking.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (1588) iv. v. 497 Sundry other daintie and nice differences doth M. Marrow make.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Hamlet (1623) v. i. 70 The hand of little Imployment hath the daintier [1604 dintier] sense.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. iv. 9 No shape but his can please your dainty eye. View more context for this quotation
1700 W. Congreve Way of World iii. i. 47 I am somewhat dainty in making a Resolution,—because when I make it I keep it.
1841 E. Bulwer-Lytton Night & Morning iii. ii You must take me as you take the world, without being over-scrupulous and dainty.
a1854 H. Reed Lect. Eng. Lit. (1855) iii. 101 From being too dainty in our choice of words.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > retaining > sparingness or frugality > [adjective]
sparingc1386
savingc1440
husbandlya1450
husbandlike1542
spareful1565
chary1570
dainty1576
partial1576
spare1577
parsimonious?1591
spary1601
scant1603
wary1605
frugala1616
spare-handed1626
squeasy1628
canny1725
scrimp1728
scrimping1823
sparesome1864
stinting1867
hard-arsed1893
1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 251 Friendes..garnished wt learning, & not deintie of their travell.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 143 Let vs not be daintie of leaue-taking, But shift away. View more context for this quotation
1642 T. Fuller Holy State v. iii. 367 The devil not being dainty of his company where he finds welcome.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [adjective]
argha1000
slowOE
unwillyc1200
sweera1300
unfain1338
loathc1374
dangerousc1386
eschewc1386
squeamous1387
obstinate?a1439
unpresta1500
ill-willing?1520
evil-willing1525
untowards1525
untowarda1530
unwilling1533
strange1548
ill-willed1549
dainty1553
relucting1553
squeamish?1553
nicea1560
loathful1561
coyish1566
coy1576
unhearty1583
costive1594
unready1595
tarrowinga1598
undisposed1597
involuntary1598
backward1600
retrograde1602
unpregnant1604
scrupulous1608
unprone1611
refractory1614
behindhanda1616
nilling1620
backwards1627
shya1628
retractable1632
reluctant1638
loughta1641
tendera1641
unapt1640
uninclinable1640
unbeteaming1642
boggling1645
averse1646
indisposed1646
aversant1657
incomposed1660
disinclined1703
unobliging1707
unconsenting1713
uninclined1729
tenacious1766
disinclinable1769
ill-disposed1771
unaffectioned1788
scruplesomec1800
back-handed1817
sweert1817
tharf1828
backward in coming forward1830
unvoluntary1834
misinclined1837
squeamy1838
balky1847
retractive1869
grudging1874
tharfish1876
unwishful1876
safety first1917
1553 B. Gilpin in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) II. xxiii. 440 Such as be dainty to hear the poor.
1612 Sir R. Dudley in S. R. Gardiner Fortescue Papers (1871) 7 (note) I will not bee dainty to make you a partie to my designes.
6. Nice or particular as to the quality of food, comforts, etc.; †luxurious.
ΚΠ
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. K. jv The heart of a woman is deyntee.
1614 Bp. J. Hall Recoll. Treat. iii. 85 As..some daintie guest knowing there is so pleasant fare to com.
1683 T. Tryon Way to Health 181 You dainty Dames that are so nice, that you will not endure this pleasant Element to blow upon you.
1855 J. L. Motley Rise Dutch Republic III. vi. v. 521 When men were starving they could not afford to be dainty.
1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker ii. 31 I was born with a dainty tooth and a palate for wine.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > weak > of constitution
neshOE
tender?c1225
softa1387
delicatea1398
nicec1450
slendera1500
weak?1523
dainty1562
fine1562
cockney1573
weakly1577
dough-baked1592
lax1732
flimsy1742
lax-fibred1762
doughy1763
dauncy1846
fragile1858
slim1877
chétif1908
1562 W. Bullein Bk. Compoundes f. 46, in Bulwarke of Defence Thei maie be giuen to drinke to them that are weake or feable, or as thei call it deintie.
1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxii. 93 Whose mother was delicate, daintie, tender, neuer stirring.
8. quasi-adv. Daintily. (rare.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adverb] > delicately or daintily
gingerly?1520
minionly1545
daintily1561
daintly1563
minikinly1580
delicately1587
incony?1602
dainty1610
airily1823
1610 Bp. J. Hall Common Apol. against Brownists v. 13 You quote Scriptures, though (to your praise) more dainty indeed then your fellowes.
1671 H. M. tr. Erasmus Colloquies 72 If rich men shall fare somewhat dainty.
1873 R. Broughton Nancy III. 144 So exceedingly fair and dainty wrought.
Compounds
General attributive.
dainty-chapped adj.
ΚΠ
1725 N. Bailey tr. Erasmus All Familiar Colloquies 33 You dainty chapp'd Fellow, you ought to be fed with Hay.
dainty-eared adj.
ΚΠ
1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie (new ed.) 3rd Serm. sig. Gviii (margin) How tender and deynety eared men of these days be.
dainty-fingered adj.
ΚΠ
1713 N. Rowe Jane Shore i. i This tough impracticable Heart Is govern'd by a dainty-finger'd Girl.
dainty-mouthed adj.
ΚΠ
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 309/2 Deynty mouthed, friant.
dainty-tongued adj.
ΚΠ
a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 233 They are so daintie-Tongued that their Company is too costly.
dainty-toothed adj.
ΚΠ
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. I. ii. v. sig. K.vv/1 Let euery yong man be..not licorishe lipped, nor deintie toothed.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† daintyv.
/ˈdeɪnti/, U.S. /ˈdeɪn(t)i/ Obsolete. rare.
transitive. With up: To pamper or indulge with dainties.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > tenderness > foolish affection, excessive love or fondness > be infatuatedly fond or love to excess [verb (transitive)] > pet, indulge, or pamper
daunt1303
cocker1440
cherisha1450
pomper1483
daut?a1513
to cocker up1530
pamper1530
pimper1537
tiddle1560
cockle1570
dandlea1577
cotchel1578
cockney1582
fondle1582
coax1589
to coax up1592
to flatter up1598
dainty1622
pet1629
cosset1659
caudle1662
faddle1688
pettle1719
coddle1786
sugar-plum1788
twattle1790
to make a fuss of or over (with)1814
mud1814
pamperizea1845
mollycoddle1851
pompey1860
cosher1861
pussy1889
molly1907
1622 H. Sydenham Serm. (1637) 108 So that they would..nourish, not daintie up the body.
1778 F. Burney Let. Sept. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 154 She daintys us up with all the meekness in the World.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1894; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.a1250adj.a1382
v.1622