| 释义 |
delicateadj.n. Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin dēlicātus. Etymology: < classical Latin dēlicātus addicted to pleasure, luxurious, self-indulgent, sumptuous, comfortable, pampered, frivolous, fastidious, elegant, effeminate, dainty, pretty, not robust, of uncertain origin (see note). With use as noun compare delicacy n. and earlier delice n., delight n.Compare Middle French delicat , French délicat (of a person) of a weak or fragile constitution (c1454), (of a thing) delightful, refined, (specifically of food) tasty, delicious (1492), delightful to behold, elegant (a1539), easily damaged (a1549), fussy, fastidious (1567), (of a subject or type of work) difficult, demanding (a1592), (of a person) sensitive, touchy (a1620). Compare also Old Occitan delicat , Old Occitan (Gascon) deliquat , Catalan delicat , Portuguese delicado (all 14th cent.), Spanish delicado , Italian delicato (both 13th cent.), all in similar senses, and also (via French) Middle Dutch delicaet (in delicaetlike carefully, patiently; Dutch delicaat ), German delikat delicious, elegant, fragile, (of a matter) sensitive (late 16th cent.). Compare also (with voicing of medial plosive and syncope) Spanish delgado (12th cent.), Catalan delgat , Portuguese delgado (both 13th cent.), all in the senses ‘prim, thin, slender’. The phonologically regular reflex of classical Latin dēlicātus in Old French was delié fine, slender, delicate (see dely adj.). With use as noun compare classical Latin dēlicātus lover, favourite. Etymology of the Latin adjective. Classical Latin dēlicātus may derive from an unattested variant (in -āre ) of dēlicere to entice (see delight v.; compare -ate suffix2). The adjective was associated with dēliciae (see delice n.), even if the two words are not in fact related. The adjective had undergone considerable development of meaning already in classical Latin, and this development is reflected in the Romance languages, where further extended uses such as ‘slender, slight’ and ‘easily affected or hurt’ arose. A. adj. I. Delightful, pleasurable, indulgent, and related senses. 1. the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > quality of causing joy or delight > [adjective] a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. lviii. 13 If thou..clepist a delicat sabot [a1425 L.V. clepist the sabat delicat; 1611 King James call the sabbath a delight; L. vocaveris sabbatum delicatum]. ?a1425 (c1400) (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 24 Anoynted with delicat thinges of swete smell. a1513 H. Bradshaw (1521) i. xxiii. sig. i.i The Worde of god, was moost delycate seruyse. 1638 T. Herbert (rev. ed.) ii. 169 A spatious and fragrant Garden which was curious to the eye, and delicate to the smell. a1800 W. Cowper Retired Cat in W. Hayley (1803) I. 256 Oh what a delicate retreat! I will resign myself to rest. 1911 ‘Q’ xi. 131 His morning had been spent amid books, rare prints, statuettes, soft carpets, all the delicate luxuries of Master Blanchminster's library. the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > savouriness > [adjective] the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [adjective] > delicate or dainty a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. clviii. 1054 Simula..is þe teere mele of whete, most clene, delicate, and likynge. ?c1430 (c1383) J. Wyclif (1880) 13 Delicat metis and drynkis. 1535 Ecclus. xxix. 22 Better is it to haue a poore lyuynge in a mans owne house, then delicate fayre amonge the straunge. a1656 Bp. J. Hall (1660) ii. 18 Let the drink be never so delicate and well-spiced. 1758 J. Adams tr. A. de Ulloa I. i. viii. 80 Some of them [sc. the dishes] are so delicate, that foreigners are no less pleased with them, than the gentlemen of the country. 1854 J. H. Newman i. ii. 48 Horseflesh was the most delicate of the Tartar viands in the times we are now considering. 1968 24 Jan. 9/2 The items which would be served there would involve..the use of some of the island's delicate foodstuffs in new and different ways. the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adjective] c1480 (a1400) St. Adrian l. 400 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) II. 283 Adryane wes of gret state & ȝung, faire and delycat. ?a1600 ( R. Sempill Legend Bischop St. Androis in J. Cranstoun (1891) I. xlv. 387 Ane deligat gowne..he send him. 1759 B. Martin I. 367 Oxford..is a most delicate and beautiful City. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [adjective] > pleasing to the senses > of surroundings or climate 1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus v. f. 75 The ryuer of Hydaspis, whiche is counted to be a very delicat water. 1697 W. Dampier xvii. 485 Tabago..still lies waste (though a delicate fruitful Island). 1769 G. White Let. 28 Feb. in (1789) 65 The sun broke out into a delicate warm day. 1892 ‘Q’ 68 Mornin', Old Zeb; how be 'ee, this dellicate day? 2. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [adjective] a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. l. 988 He was ek so delicat Of his clothing, that everyday Of pourpre and bisse he made him gay. c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 385 Moore delicat [c1405 Ellesmere delicaat] moore pompous of array Moore proud was neuere Emperour than he. 1535 Amos (heading) He reproueth the welthy, ydyll and delicate people. 1749 J. Cleland I. v That delicate glutton, my nethermouth..kept palating, with exquisite relish, the morsel that so deliciously ingorged it. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [adjective] > luxurious (of things) c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. ix. l. 279 Diues for hus delicat lyf to þe deuel wente. 1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Longolius in 410 You have your sweete and delicate sleepes in your comfortable chambers. 1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews xvii. xii, in tr. Josephus 566 Softness of body..derived from his delicate and generous education. 2018 K. A. E. Enenkel in K. A. E. Enenkel & A. Traninger iii. 64 Sandys takes the Salmacis myth as a warning against leisure and a delicate lifestyle. the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > sloth or laziness > [adjective] ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iv. met. vii. l. 4289 O ȝe slouȝ [emended in ed. to slowe] and delicat men whi fley ȝe aduersites, and ne fyȝten nat aȝeins hem by vertue. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville (Caxton) iii. ix. f. lvj Suche folke haue ben soo delycate and lothe to good werkes. 1600 W. Cornwallis I. xii. sig. H8v He made choise rather of a slowe delicate people, then of spirites of more excellency. II. Fragile, fine, subtle, and related senses. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1961) Deut. xxviii. 56 Atender womman & delicat [a1425 Corpus Oxf. a delicate; L. delicata] þe whiche opon þe erþe miȝte not go, ne ficche þe stapp of þe foot for softnes & most tendernes. a1530 W. Bonde (1531) iii. f. CCiiiiv The delycate persone that can suffre no payne in body. 1604 W. Shakespeare iv. iv. 9 + 39 Witnes this Army..Led by a delicate and tender Prince. 1688 S. Penton 56 This was the unhappiness of a delicate Youth, whose great misfortune it was to be worth Two Thousand A Year before he was One and Twenty. the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [adjective] a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. l. 666 And riht so changeth his astat He that of love is delicat; For though he hadde..The beste wif of al the lond..Yit wolde his herte on othre falle. ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (BL Add. 10340) (1868) ii. pr. iv. l. 1084 Euery weleful man haþe [emended in ed. to haþ] a wel delicat felyng [L. delicatissimus sensus est]. So þat but yif alle þinges fallen at hys owen wille..he is þrowe adoune. 1534 S. Gardiner July (1933) 61 I maye not be soo delicate as to chose the place of service, but am and shalbe redy to doo service as I shalbe commaunded. 1671 tr. A. de Courtin x. 101 Some people being so delicate, they will not eat after a man has eat with his Spoon and not wiped it. 1773 S. Johnson Let. 21 Sept. in H. L. Piozzi (1788) II. 137 The only things of which we, or travellers yet more delicate, could find any pretensions to complain. 1908 (War Office) 127 Generally speaking, horses are, when once in condition, hardy, greedy animals,..but occasionally a timid, delicate feeder will be met. 2017 (Nexis) 4 Aug. Cat moms and dads are willing to go the extra mile to satisfy the delicate preferences of their four-legged companions. 6. the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > weak the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > weak > of constitution a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. v. 906 For delicate men [L. pro delicatis] tempre þe wyn wiþ rose water. a1500 (?c1425) (1936) 82 (MED) Also ȝif tho that ben of grete power and so delicate þat þey may noȝt susteyne so gret laboure smyte hem violently, state of persones..is to be i-schewyd vnto the pope. 1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara 296 The olde man is delicate and of small strength. 1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch 10 Neither are they fit for warfarre and to beare armes, whose bodies having beene daintily brought up in the shade and within house, are corpulent, and of a soft and delicate constitution. 1664 T. Herbert (new ed.) 173 The excess [of bathing] doubtless weakens the body, by making it soft and delicate, and subject to colds. 1855 T. B. Macaulay IV. 532 The Princess..was then in very delicate health. 1874 H. Dalziel 35 Dogs of a delicate constitution and unused to rough it. 1963 D. Athill ii. 11 His mother was supposed to be delicate and to need a softer climate. 2016 (National ed.) (Nexis) 4 Nov. 61 I'm feeling delicate after a big Thursday night out. c1450 (a1400) Orologium Sapientiæ in (1888) 10 339 (MED) Mye blode..ranne downe on alle sydes of mye delycate bodye. 1530 T. Elyot tr. Plutarch xii. sig. f.iv For the delicate flower of youthe vneth maye be preserued from the violence of bodily luste, onles he be brideled. 1568 E. Tilney (new ed.) sig. Eijv A good name..is so delicate a thing in a woman, that she must not onely be good, but likewise must apeere so. 1666 J. Evelyn (ed. 2) 18 The Nectarine and like delicate Mural-Fruit. 1834 T. Medwin I. 75 But they [sc. trout] are so delicate that they will not keep, and must be eaten the day they are killed. 1939 Feb. 244/2 A high-voltage flash strikes a trip-hammer blow that would shatter the husky insulators as if they were delicate china. 2001 Apr. 14/3 Tuberous begonias, with their vibrant colors and delicate, papery petals, are among the most exquisite flowers you can grow. 1566 T. Blundeville Bredynge of Horses viii. f. 23 in These medicines perhappes wyl offende the delycate eares of some persons, that are more nyce then wyse. 1679 S. Cradock ii. ix. 371 Take heed therefore that your mind be not too delicate and tender and womanish and apt to be moved at every toy. 1791 W. Combe V. xvii. 118 She was a pleasant, tender-hearted woman, and has fallen a sacrifice to the delicate sensibilities of her character. 1878 July 800 It [sc. the book] leaves out all that class of crimes of which the names would offend delicate ears. 2009 2 Feb. (Game section) 4/4 Footballers are notoriously delicate flowers these days. 7. the world > matter > constitution of matter > other specific kinds of texture > [adjective] > fine the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adjective] > delicate or dainty ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 93 (MED) And forto drie it with delicate [?c1425 Paris softe] cloþes. 1600 J. Pory tr. J. Leo Africanus ii. 237 Their women are white, having blacke haires and a most delicate skin. 1634 T. Herbert 190 The people..weare little clothing, saue what is thin and delicate. 1800 tr. E. J. B. Bouillon-Lagrange II. 188 A salt..under the form of exceedingly delicate needles. 1962 K. A. Porter 129 He counted her pulse..noting her long, thin, delicate bones. 2019 (National ed.) (Nexis) 7 Sept. (Luxury section) The grey-and white-flecked carpet upstairs is so thick, so soft and delicate that it might well be made of a blend of velvet, goose feathers and the lotioned skin of babies. the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > [adjective] a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara (1535) i. xxix. f. 48v Suche as are of a delycate bloode, haue not so moche solicitude as the rusticall people. 1753 43 The tender and delicate passions of love, friendship, compassion, humanity and good-will. 1885 J. Ruskin I. vi. 186 My father liked delicate cookery, just because he was one of the smallest and rarest eaters. 1962 O. Manning iv. xxii. 241 They were met by a scent of woodsmoke, delicate and sweet, that comforted Harriet. 2015 (National ed.) 7 Jan. d4/2 Girgentina is fruity and delicate, with good acidity: a light wine. 1580 J. Frampton tr. N. Monardes Dial. Yron in (new ed.) f. 147 Workes wrought vpon linen cloth and silke, things so politike, and delicate, that with the Needle they [sc. women] do worke. 1756 J. Warton I. vi. 289 My chief reason for quoting these delicate lines. a1861 T. Winthrop (1862) xxx. 316 The human body,—the most delicate mechanism of all, the type of all its own inventions. 2018 F. F. Mirza ii. v. 128 There, elevated on a small stand, was a watch—the watch... The delicate gold rim, the perfect circle, its black hands with tiny tear-dropped ends, its most gentle tick. the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [adjective] > soft 1675 11 Her Teeth had the hue Of a delicate blew. 1823 W. M. Praed i. 2 Wings of a warm and delicate hue, Like the glow of a deep carnation. 1860 J. Tyndall i. xi. 83 The hole..[in] the snow was filled with a delicate blue light. 2017 B. Mutch iv. 30 Each [shell] was a pale, delicate shade of stippled green, lighter than a Granny Smith apple but not as yellow as a Golden Delicious. 8. 1565 J. Hall tr. Lanfranc i. vii. 10 Laboure gentlye wyth Instrumentes to remove the bone..by moste tender, and delycate workinge: that thou touche not Duram matrem. 1663 R. Boyle i. ii. 40 Consider how..delicate a Workmanship must be employ'd to contrive into so narrow a compass the several Parts. 1819 G. J. Guthrie 115 In some cases, the iris will yield and separate to the most delicate pressure of the knife. 1907 W. Le Queux ii. 28 At present, we have another little matter in hand—one which requires extremely delicate handling. 2004 (Nexis) 11 July 4 In a quiet concert hall, you have the ability to play a pianissimo in a way that's so delicate that it is just barely heard. the world > action or operation > difficulty > types of difficulty > [adjective] > difficult or delicate 1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara 476 The properties appertayning to the marryed husband is, to be reposed in his speach, mylde of conuersation, [etc.]... In men of so tender yeres..such and so delicate things, neyther do they knowe to vnderstande when they bee told them, neyther yet beeing wanting to aske for them. 1741 D. Hume I. xi. 119 The just Ballance betwixt the Republican and Monarchical Part of our Constitution is really, in itself, so extreme delicate and uncertain, that..'tis impossible but different Opinions must arise concerning it. 1889 24 Jan. 7/1 Fixing a skin upon a drum is a delicate operation requiring considerable patience. 1950 R. Stout (1995) vii. 83 It's a delicate matter, to approach a responsible officer of a reputable bank on a thing like that. 2013 2 Jan. 21/2 Senate leaders were locked in delicate negotiations to prevent America going over the fiscal cliff. the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > finely skilful 1589 G. Puttenham i. viii. 13 Horace the most delicate of all the Romain Lyrickes. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1622) iv. i. 183 I doe but say what she is: So delicate with her needle, an admirable musition. 1782 W. Cowper Table Talk in 34 His [sc. Pope's] musical finesse was such, So nice his ear, so delicate his touch. 1884 11 July 52/1 The artist is at his best, at his delicatest and subtlest, in his water-colours. 2014 (National ed.) (Nexis) 13 Feb. (Life section) 4 Lang Lang..turns his attention to two of the most delicate composers of piano music in history, Mozart and Chopin. the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adjective] > finely skilful > displaying or characterized by fine skill 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach ii. f. 75 An other more delicater way he speaketh of, which is..laying the branches in baskettes of earth,..obtaynyng rootes betwixt the very fruite and the toppes. 1608 W. Shakespeare xx. 173 It were a delicate stratagem to shoot [1623 shoo] a troupe of horse with fell [1623 Felt] . View more context for this quotation 1673 R. Head 11 The Budge it is a delicate trade. the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > very small in amount or degree 1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond 120 He leaves to be discerned a delicate inclination for the Conspirators. 1849 T. B. Macaulay II. vi. 71 Catharine often told the king plainly what the Protestant lords of the council only dared to hint in the most delicate phrases. 1864 A. Bain (ed. 2) i. i. 113 Discrimination of the most delicate differences is an indispensable qualification. 2010 152 568/1 Goncharova's process of experimentation becomes most apparent through the delicate changes in her handling of paint and the mutations of her vibrant palette. III. Sensitive, refined, and related senses. 11. the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > [adjective] the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > discernment, discrimination > [adjective] > with delicacy a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara (1535) i. vii. f. 12v He was but of tender age, and not of gret delicate vnderstonding. 1711 R. Steele No. 2. ⁋2 A very delicate Observer of what occurs to him in the present World. 1856 J. Ruskin IV. 70 A delicate ear rejoices in the slighter and more modulated passages of sound. 1875 H. E. Manning i. 26 Let us learn then to have a delicate conscience. 1997 May 42/3 He shows a delicate understanding of fusion cuisine in Asian-inspired dishes like ginger broth with chicken-and-shiitake-mushroom dumplings. the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > exactness, accuracy, precision > [adjective] > of tools, materials, etc.: accurate 1581 J. Frampton tr. P. de Medina vi. i. f. 66/2 Seeing that this instrument [sc. a compass] is so delicate and subtile, it happeneth that for small occasion he commeth to haue defect in such sort, that he cannot serue. 1790 W. Nicholson i. vi. 63 Very delicate balances are not only useful in nice experiments, but are likewise much more expeditious than others in common weighing. 1834 M. Somerville xxx. 314 Very delicate experiments have shown that all bodies are more or less susceptible of magnetism. 1949 ‘G. Orwell’ 80 You could not control the beating of your heart, and the telescreen was quite delicate enough to pick it up. 2018 (Nexis) 17 July d2 The most delicate measurements so far indicate that an individual neutrino weighs less than a millionth what an electron weighs. 12. society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > modesty or decency > [adjective] 1634 T. Herbert 103 Her..admirable beautie, a delicate spirit, sweet behauiour and charitable acts surpassing child-hood. 1721 T. Tickell in J. Addison I. Pref. p. xii Mr. Addison..was..too delicate to take any part of that [praise] which belonged to others. 1768 L. Sterne II. 201 We were both too delicate to communicate what we felt to each other upon the occasion. 1836 J. Gilbert ix. 360 Appearances of a just ground for the imputation are so unambiguous that it were treason to truth to be delicate. 2004 H. Strachan viii. 79 I don't suppose one should be too delicate about this; after all, they were only giving him what Hector got. society > morality > virtue > purity > chastity > modesty or decency > [adjective] > characterized by modesty 1817 J. Mill II. iv. vii. 242 All parties recommended a delicate and liberal treatment. 1887 F. M. Crawford II. 83 It was evident from her few words and from the blush which accompanied them that this was a delicate subject. 2017 (Nexis) 8 June c1 John has cerebral palsy. Ani is a double above-the-knee amputee. Neither has patience for tactful solicitude or delicate terminology. B. n.†1. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [noun] > one who lives luxuriously a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xlvii. 8 Now here thou these thingus, thou delicat [L. delicata], and dwellende trosteli. 1534 J. Fewterer tr. U. Pinder f. cvi These delicates & carnall persons whiche wyl suffer no payne but folowe all pleasure: ben the enemyes of the crosse of Christe. 1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch 438 If Lucullus were not a waster and a delicate given to belly-cheere. a1722 J. Toland (1726) II. 274 Men who doing nothing themselves deserving commendation, think it impertinent that any should be commended. The disapprobation of such delicates I shall studiously court. the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [noun] > fastidious person 1710 J. Addison No. 148 The Rules among these false Delicates, are to be as contradictory as they can be to Nature. †2. the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > luxury or luxurious living > [noun] > a luxury c1450 (1904) I. 171 (MED) Vmthynk you of þe bed þat is ordand in hell to þaim þat mon be dampnyd, þat liffis here in all þe delicatis att þaim liste hafe. a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. v. 51. The Shepherds homely Curds, His cold thinne drinke.., His wonted sleepe.., All which secure, and sweetly he enioyes, Is farre beyond a Princes Delicates. 1745 E. Young 41 Her nectareous Cup, Mixt up of Delicates for ev'ry Sense. the world > food and drink > food > qualities of food > [noun] > delicacy or titbit a1475 J. Russell Bk. Nurture (Harl. 4011) in (2002) i. 166 Afftur þis, delicatis mo. Blaunderelle, or pepyns, with carawey in confite, Waffurs to ete, ypocras to drynk with delite. a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk (Gough) (1905) 254 (MED) Þay putten away all delycatys, metes and drynkes, and werne well apayde on dry mete. 1526 W. Bonde ii. sig. Ti To be admytted to the kynges owne table, and to taste of his dentyue delicattes. 1676 T. Shadwell iii. 54 Cheshire-Cheese..seems to be a great delicate to the pallat of this Animal. 1820 J. Keats Eve of St. Agnes in 98 These delicates he heap'd with glowing hand On golden dishes. 1905 E. Underhill tr. (1906) 54 I was bred softly, and love only to eat delicates. the mind > emotion > love > loved one > [noun] 1531 T. Elyot iii. xxiii. sig. gviiiv The emperour Titus..for his lernynge and vertue was named the delicate of the worlde [L. amor et deliciæ humani generis]. 3. 1955 26 Sept. 30 (advt.) Wond-r-dial... Selection of normal or delicate wash cycles... Gives you 2 washers in one. 1986 (Nexis) 7 June e19 Run the pillow case through the washer on a delicate cycle, using mild soap and cold water. 2012 (Nexis) Nov. Feather pillows can be washed on the delicate setting using a little detergent. 1957 3 Sept. 5/3 (advt.) All-new super automatic washer... Washes everything from ‘delicates’ to denims without rubbing. 2006 E. Gilbert (2007) v. 19 A man just did my laundry! And he even hand-washed my delicates! Phrasesthe world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > pregnancy or gestation > [adjective] 1827 3 Aug. The governor, perceiving her delicate condition, asked her ‘How long she had to go?’. 1850 C. Dickens xxvii. 287 Mrs. Micawber, being in a delicate state of health, was overcome by it. 1919 11 Oct. 17/1 I told him I thought I was in a delicate condition, and I asked him if he was going to marry me. 2003 L. Kurland 416 My wife is, as you may or may not have noticed, in a delicate condition. Compounds ?1551 T. Becon xix. sig. H.i An horsse that is to much delicate lyfed, casteth his master. 1693 N. Staphorst tr. L. Rauwolf Trav. Eastern Countries i. viii, in J. Ray I. 91 They power the Water out of their Skins, wherein they have commonly laid Chalcedonicks, Jaspirs, &c. Sometimes also delicate tasted Fruit. 1806 M. Wilmot 14 June (1934) iii. 268 She opens into a very cleaver, well judging, delicate minded, spirited Woman. 1855 Ld. Tennyson Maud viii, in 32 The snowy banded, dilettante, Delicate-handed priest. 1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer I. ix. 293 A delicate-footed dame. 2007 3 Feb. 17 Her face was delicate-featured, with a snub nose. 1621 M. Wroth ii. 242 The bankes..were of such sweetnesse, as the plenty of the most delicate smelling flowers could yeeld vnto them. 1704 iii. 99/2 Pheasant, a delicate eating Fowl. 1817 J. Austen Sanditon x, in (1954) 413 A very puny, delicate-looking young Man, the smallest very materially of not a robust Family. 1887 27 Aug. Daily Bull. Suppl. Perhaps the names of today are more refined and delicate-sounding when spoken, and therefore more fitting to the young ladies of 1887. 1953 13 July 75 (advt.) The dewy-fresh flavor of Ann Page Mayonnaise sets off delicate-tasting salads to perfection. 2010 May 166/1 This hardy variety of Japanese wisteria produces slightly more delicate-looking, violet-blue flower heads. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2020; most recently modified version published online June 2022). † delicatev. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: delicate adj. Etymology: < delicate adj. Compare slightly earlier delicated adj. Obsolete. rare. the world > matter > constitution of matter > other specific kinds of texture > [verb (transitive)] > make fine 1609 W. B. tr. i. xxix. f. 35v They doe dilicate and mollifie the flesh [L. mollem & inflatam carnem facit]. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2020; most recently modified version published online December 2020). <  adj.n.a1382 v.1609 |
