DELICATE
Del"i*cate, a. Etym: [L. delicatus pleasing the senses, voluptuous,
soft and tender; akin to deliciae delight: cf. F. délicat. See
Delight.]
1. Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring. [R.] Dives, for his delicate life, to the devil went. Piers Plowman. Haarlem is a very delicate town. Evelyn.
2. Pleasing to the senses; refinedly; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor.
3. Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature." Shak.
4. Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; — said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton.
5. Slight or smooth; light and yielding; — said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk.
6. Soft and fair; — said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion.
7. Light, or softly tinted; — said of a color; as; as, a delicate blue.
8. Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; — said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness.
9. Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; — said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health. A delicate and tender prince. Shak.