noun pl. delicacies -·cies

1. the quality of being delicate as in taste, odor, or texture
2. fragile beauty or graceful slightness, softness, etc.; fineness the delicacy of a petal, of spun glass, or of a child's face
3. weakness of constitution or health; frailty
4. the quality or condition of needing careful and deft handling negotiations of great delicacy
5. fineness of feeling, observation, or appreciation delicacy of musical taste
6. sensitiveness of response the delicacy of a compass
7. fineness of touch, skill, etc.
8. a fine regard for the feelings of others
9. a sensitive or, sometimes, finicky distaste for what is considered improper or offensive
10. a choice food caviar and other delicacies
11. Obsolete luxuriousness

Etymology: ME delicacie < ML delicacia < L delicatus: see delicate