del·i·cate / ˈdelikit/ • adj. 1. very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality. ∎  (of a color or a scent) subtle and subdued. ∎  (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavored.2. easily broken or damaged; fragile. ∎  (of a person, animal, or plant) susceptible to illness or adverse conditions. ∎  (of a state or condition) easily upset or damaged.3. requiring sensitive or careful handling. ∎  (of a person or an action) tactful and considerate: delicate tact was called for. ∎  skillful and finely judged; deft. ∎  (of an instrument) highly sensitive.• n. inf. a delicate fabric or garment made of such fabric.PHRASES: in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.DERIVATIVES: del·i·cate·ly adv.del·i·cate·ness n.

delicate †delightful, elegant, dainty; †indolent, †fastidious XIV; fine, not coarse or robust XVI; finely sensitive or skilful XVI. — (O)F. délicat or L. dēlicātus; of unkn. orig., but assoc. in sense-development with L. dēliciæ (see next); see -ATE 2.
Hence delicacy XIV; concr. XV.