Dainteth

/ˈdeɪntɪθ/ verb

Definition

An archaic third-person singular form meaning 'to treat with delicacy or refinement,' or 'to make dainty.'

Etymology

From Middle English dainten, derived from Old French daintier, ultimately from Latin dignitas meaning 'worthiness.' The -eth ending is an archaic English verb conjugation suffix used in Early Modern English.

Kelly Says

This word shows how English used to conjugate verbs differently—'he dainteth' is like saying 'he delicates' today, but we'd never say that. It's a fascinating fossil of how our language worked 400 years ago.

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