'exquisite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'exquisitus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'quaerere' meant 'to seek.'

'exquisitus' transformed into the French word 'exquis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exquisite' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'carefully sought out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extremely beautiful or delicate.'