The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dainty \Dain"ty\, n.; pl. Dainties. [OE. deinie, dainte,
   deintie, deyntee, OF. deinti['e] delicacy, orig., dignity,
   honor, fr. L. dignitas, fr. dignus worthy. See Deign, and
   cf. Dignity.]
   1. Value; estimation; the gratification or pleasure taken in
      anything. [Obs.]
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            I ne told no deyntee of her love.     --Chaucer.
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   2. That which is delicious or delicate; a delicacy.
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            That precious nectar may the taste renew
            Of Eden's dainties, by our parents lost. --Beau. &
                                                  Fl.
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   3. A term of fondness. [Poetic] --B. Jonson.

   Syn: Dainty, Delicacy.

   Usage: These words are here compared as denoting articles of
          food. The term delicacy as applied to a nice article
          of any kind, and hence to articles of food which are
          particularly attractive. Dainty is stronger, and
          denotes some exquisite article of cookery. A hotel may
          be provided with all the delicacies of the season, and
          its table richly covered with dainties.
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                These delicacies
                I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits,
                and flowers,
                Walks and the melody of birds.    --Milton.
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                [A table] furnished plenteously with bread,
                And dainties, remnants of the last regale.
                                                  --Cowper.
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