De-l'icíous, a.
(de-lĭsh'us), a. [Lat. deliciosus, from deliciæ, delight; Fr. délicieux, Pr. delicios, Sp. & Pg. delicioso, It. delizioso. Cf. DELICATE.]
Sense 1. Affording exquisite pleasure; delightful; most sweet or grateful to the senses, especially to the taste. “The delicious draught of cool refreshment.” Akenside. “Some delicious landscape.” Coleridge.
Sense 2. Addicted to pleasure; seeking enjoyment; luxurious. [Obs.]
Others, of a more delicious and airy spirit, retire themselves to the enjoyment of ease and luxury. Milton.
Synonyms—DELICIOUS, DELIGHTFUL. Delicious refers to the pleasure derived from certain of the senses, particularly the taste and smell; as, delicious food, a delicious fragrance. Delightful may also refer to most of the senses; as, delightful music; a delightful prospect; delightful sensations; but has a higher application to matters of taste, feeling, and sentiment; as, a delightful abode, conversation, employment; delightful scenes, &c.
In his last hours his easy wit display: Like the rich fruit he sings, delicious in decay. Smith.
No spring, nor summer, on the mountain seen, Smiles with gay fruits or with delightful green. Addison.