preciosities

Noun

preciosity (countable and uncountable, plural preciosities)

1. (derogatory, uncountable, usually) The quality of being overly refined in an affected way (often used to describe speech or writing, but also visual art and dress).
   • [Italian renaissance painter Neroccio] had the fastidiousness, the preciosity, the love of archaisms, of your true decadent.1902, R. Langton Douglas, A History of Siena, New York: E.P. Dutton, Chapter 18, p. 385

   Synonyms:

   affectation, fastidiousness

2. (countable, derogatory, usually) An instance of preciosity; something that is overly refined in an affected way.
   • “O Father Master, is it possible! (exclaimed the Beneficiary ready to roll about the floor with laughing) is it possible that such preciosities are printed! […]”1772, José Francisco de Isla, translated by Thomas Nugent, The History of the Famous Preacher Friar Gerund de Campazas, London: T. Davies and W. Flexney, Volume 2, Book 6, Chapter 2, p. 471

   Synonyms:

   affectation

3. (obsolete, uncountable) The quality of being precious (of high value or worth).
   • I must be forc’d to say somewhat of Margarites [i.e. pearls] themselves, and I am affraid I shall rather be struck with the deepest amazement and confusion, than be able to expresse their unspeakable worth and preciosity.1654, Michael Maier, “The Oyster”, in John Hall, transl., Lusus Serius, or, Serious Passe-Time, London: Humphrey Moseley, pages 38–39

   Synonyms:

   preciousness, value, worth

4. (countable, obsolete) Something of high value or worth.
   • That which is rare (we know) is with all Nations precious, and what is precious they love to appropriate and transferr upon themselves as near as they can […]. So if there be any thing more costly then another, they will hang it on their Bodies […], such as their Ear-rings and Jewells. But these...1668, Henry More, Divine Dialogues, London: James Flesher, Dialogue 3, pages 374–375

   Synonyms:

   treasure