Deintie

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A Middle English noun for enjoyment or delight ; a rich or choice morsel of food ; refined elegance or costly ornament in dress or craft
2. Archaic term meaning joy or gratification ; a tasty, select dish fit for the table ; splendid finery or elaborate, graceful decoration
3. An old word for happiness or satisfaction ; a luxurious, carefully chosen food item ; the fine ornament or elegance of well-made objects

Etymology: Before it described a delicate teacup or a fussy eater, this word meant "worth" or "value." It comes from Old French "deintié," which goes back to Latin "dignitas," meaning worth, merit, or dignity. That is the same Latin root behind "dignity," and the two English words are close cousins that took different paths after entering the language. In Middle English, the sense of "deintie" shifted from something's worth to something valuable enough to be prized, especially a choice food. A "dainty" was a delicacy, a costly treat set before the wealthy. From there, the meaning moved from the food to the quality of fine taste and then to the person with refined or fussy habits. The sense of "small and delicate" came later.