Dain·ty n.; pl. Dainties
 1. Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in anything. [Obs.]
    I ne told no deyntee of her love.   --Chaucer.
 2. That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.
 That precious nectar may the taste renew
 Of Eden's dainties, by our parents lost.   --Beau. & Fl.
 3. A term of fondness. [Poetic]
 Syn: -- Dainty, Delicacy.
 Usage: These words are here compared as denoting articles of food. The term delicacy as applied to a nice article of any kind, and hence to articles of food which are particularly attractive. Dainty is stronger, and denotes some exquisite article of cookery. A hotel may be provided with all the delicacies of the season, and its table richly covered with dainties.
 These delicacies
 I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers,
 Walks and the melody of birds.   --Milton.
 [A table] furnished plenteously with bread,
 And dainties, remnants of the last regale.   --Cowper.