Definition of "delicacy" []

• The quality of being delicate. (noun)
• Something pleasing and appealing, especially a choice food. (noun)
• Fineness of appearance, construction, or execution; elegance: brushwork of great delicacy. (noun)
• Frailty of bodily constitution or health. (noun)
• Sensitivity of perception, discrimination, or taste; refinement. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""Motives of delicacy, my dear Emilie," said Mrs. Somers, softening her tone, but still with an air of dissatisfaction -- "motives of delicacy, my dear Emilie, are mighty pretty sounding words; and at your age I used to think them mighty grand things; but I have long since found out that _motives of delicacy_ are usually the excuse of weak minds for not speaking the plain truth to their friends."
• "The first thing you will need for this delicacy is a big bowl."
• "-- All the faults I have ever seen in my friend Faulkland seemed to proceed from what he calls the delicacy and warmth of his affection for you -- There, marry him directly, Julia; you'll find he'll mend surprisingly!"