'delicate-fingered' originates from English, specifically the combination of 'delicate' and 'fingered'; 'delicate' ultimately derives from Latin 'delicatus' meaning 'dainty, tender', and 'fingered' comes from Old English 'finger' plus the suffix '-ed' meaning 'having, provided with'.

'delicatus' entered Middle English via Old French as 'delicat(e)' and became the modern English adjective 'delicate'. Old English 'finger' (ME 'fingre') yielded the participial adjective 'fingered' with the suffix '-ed'. These elements were joined in Modern English to form the compound adjective 'delicate-fingered'.

Initially, it meant 'having delicate fingers', but it broadened to include the idea of 'having a light, deft touch or notable manual dexterity'.