1. (a.) Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

2. (a.) Pleasing to the senses; refinedly agreeable; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor.

3. (a.) Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, a delicate creature.

4. (a.) Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; -- said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton.

5. (a.) Slight or smooth; light and yielding; -- said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk.

6. (a.) Soft and fair; -- said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion.

7. (a.) Light, or softly tinted; -- said of a color; as, a delicate blue.

8. (a.) Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; -- said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness.

9. (a.) Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; -- said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health.

10. (a.) Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question.

11. (a.) of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

12. (a.) Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music.

13. (a.) Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer.

14. (n.) A choice dainty; a delicacy.

15. (n.) A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.