Dictionary entry

Exquisite

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ex″qui‐site (?), a. [L. exquisitus, p. p. of exquirere to search out; ex out + quarere to seek, search. See Quest.] 1. Carefully selected or sought out; hence, of distinguishing and surpassing quality; exceedingly nice; delightfully excellent; giving rare satisfaction; as, exquisite workmanship.

Plate of rare device, and jewels

Of reach and exquisite form. Shak.

I have no exquisite reason for 't, but I have reason good enough. Shak.

2. Exceeding; extreme; keen; — used in a bad or a good sense; as, exquisite pain or pleasure.

3. Of delicate perception or close and accurate discrimination; not easy to satisfy; exact; nice; fastidious; as, exquisite judgment, taste, or discernment.

His books of Oriental languages, wherein he was exquisite. Fuller.

Syn. — Nice; delicate; exact; refined; choice; rare; matchless; consummate; perfect.