Deynte

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a choice delicacy or fine food ; an old word for pleasure or delight ; a former word for worth or esteem
2. Obsolete English for a dainty morsel or rich food ; a Middle English word for joy or enjoyment ; an older sense of value or regard
3. A Middle English noun meaning a tasty treat or fine dish ; an antiquated word for gratification or happiness ; a historical term for merit or honor

Etymology: Its first meanings had nothing to do with food or fussiness. In Middle English, "deynte" meant worth, value, or honour, a sense inherited from Old French "deintié", which came from Latin "dignitas", "dignity" or "worth". The Latin root is the same one behind "dignity" itself, so the two words are distant cousins that took very different paths into English. Over time the sense narrowed from abstract worth to things that were prized for their worth. A choice morsel of food was something valuable, and by the late Middle Ages "deynte" could mean a delicacy, especially a rich or rare dish. Once a food was singled out as precious, it became easy to call someone who was particular about such things fastidious, and the modern adjective "dainty" grew out of that idea of refined, select taste.