Delectation

/ˌdɛlɛkˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Great pleasure or delight, especially when derived from eating or drinking something enjoyable.

Etymology

From Latin 'delectatio' (delight, pleasure), derived from 'delectare' (to delight). The suffix '-tion' forms abstract nouns from verb stems.

Kelly Says

This word appears frequently in 18th and 19th-century literature—authors loved using 'for the delectation of' to mean 'for the pleasure of,' giving it an air of genteel sophistication.

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