Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DAINTY
I. noun (plural dainties)
Etymology: Middle English deinte high esteem, delight, from Anglo-French deinté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas dignity, worth
Date: 14th century
1. something delicious to the taste, something choice or pleasing, fastidiousness,
II. adjective (daintier; -est)
Date: 14th century
1. tasting good ; tasty , attractively prepared and served, marked by delicate or diminutive beauty, form, or grace , chary , reluctant ,
4. marked by fastidious discrimination or finicky taste, showing avoidance of anything rough, see: choice daintily adverb daintiness noun