delicacy

deli·cacy (del′i kə sē)

noun pl. -·cies

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

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

Fineness of texture
daintiness, airiness, etherealness, transparency, fragility, flimsiness, softness, smoothness, translucency, filminess, tenuity, diaphanousness, subtlety, tenderness, exquisiteness, gracefulness; see also lightness 2.
A choice food
tidbit, luxury, gourmet dish, treat, dainty, morsel, sweet, savory, rarity, delight, ambrosia, nectar, party dish, sweetmeat, imported food, food out of season, bonne bouche (French), specialty, goody*, food for the gods*; see also food.
Lack of strength, usually to resist disease
frailty, debility, tenderness; see weakness 1.

Converse of object

consider: A cod's head was considered a great delicacy.
taste: There was a good mix of sightseeing, culture, tasting the local delicacy ( guinea-pig ) as well as time to ourselves.
eat: Soon a special room, called a banquet, was being set aside for eating these delicacies.
serve: The train also features a Lounge / Bar Car and a Restaurant Car, which serves local delicacies and international cuisine.
sample: That night they sampled the local delicacy - reindeer - and stayed in a 4-star hotel - the Hotel Santa Claus!
enjoy: Haggis is a traditional Scottish delicacy enjoyed by Scots at any time of the day.

Preposition: at

time: The boxes were intended to hold bonbons or confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive.

Adjective modifier

culinary: One of its claims to fame was an ingrediant for a culinary delicacy.
exquisite: They expect a degree of service to go with the exquisite delicacies they have selected for purchase.
utmost: Then, with the utmost delicacy, unroll as much as you can.
delicious: A wide variety of delicious delicacies are designed to be served with tea, even for large parties.
seasonal: They have the chance also to try the various seasonal delicacies available on the market, which include many local specialities.
exotic: Their tables were laden with delicious game dishes and exotic delicacies.

Noun used with modifier

confectionery: The boxes were intended to hold bonbons or confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive.
fish: Smoked fish delicacies are the perfect gift for colleagues, friends and family at any time of the year.
food: Check out the wide range of goods, including quality food delicacies, unusual crafts to ornate outdoor furniture.
gourmet: All entry tickets to Toast include £ 10 worth of restaurant currency, to give all visitors the opportunity to sample the gourmet delicacies.

Preposition: in

part: This botanical pest is considered something of a delicacy in some parts of the world.

Preposition: of

feeling: Your enemies will not respect your delicacy of feeling.
touch: His paintings show a delicacy of touch, which is apparent even in his highly textured oils.

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