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.

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

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.

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

Ex"qui*site, n. One who manifests an exquisite attention to external appearance; one who is overnice in dress or ornament; a fop; a dandy.

• Especially fine or pleasing; exceptional.
       They sell good coffee and pastries, but their chocolate is particularly exquisite.