Part 131

F. W. Robertson.

11. Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

12. Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music.

13. Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer.

Del"i*cate, n. 1. A choice dainty; a delicacy. [R.]

With abstinence all delicates he sees.

Dryden.

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2. A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.

All the vessels, then, which our delicates have, -- those I mean that would seem to be more fine in their houses than their neighbors, -- are only of the Corinth metal.

Holland.

Del"i*cate*ly (?), adv. In a delicate manner.

Del"i*cate*ness, n. The quality of being delicate.

Del"i*ces (?), n. pl. [F. délices, fr. L. deliciae.] Delicacies; delights. [Obs.] "Dainty delices." Spenser.

De*li"ci*ate (?), v. t. To delight one's self; to indulge in feasting; to revel. [Obs.]

De*li"cious (?), a. [OF. delicieus, F. délicieux, L. deliciosus, fr. deliciae delight, fr. delicere to allure. See Delight.] 1. Affording exquisite pleasure; delightful; most sweet or grateful to the senses, especially to the taste; charming.

Some delicious landscape.

Coleridge.

One draught of spring's delicious air.

Keble.

Were not his words delicious?

Tennyson.

2. Addicted to pleasure; seeking enjoyment; luxurious; effeminate. [Obs.]

Others, lastly, of a more delicious and airy spirit, retire themselves to the enjoyments of ease and luxury.

Milton.

Syn. -- Delicious, Delightful. Delicious refers to the pleasure derived from certain of the senses, particularly the taste and smell; as, delicious food; a delicious fragrance. Delightful may also refer to most of the senses (as, delightful music; a delightful prospect; delightful sensations), but has a higher application to matters of taste, feeling, and sentiment; as, a delightful abode, conversation, employment; delightful scenes, etc.

Like the rich fruit he sings, delicious in decay.

Smith.