delectation
UK: ˌdiːlekˈteɪʃən | US: ˌdɪlɛkˈteɪʃən
n. 1. Great pleasure or delight, especially from something enjoyable.
n. 2. (Archaic) The act of delighting or entertaining.
The word "delectation" traces back to Latin delectatio (delight, pleasure), derived from delectare (to charm or please), which itself comes from delectus (past participle of deligere, meaning "to choose" or "to take pleasure in"). The morpheme delect- preserves the core idea of pleasure, while -ation forms a noun indicating the state or action of delighting. Over time, the word evolved in Middle English via Old French, retaining its association with joy and enjoyment.
The gourmet meal provided endless delectation for the guests.
Reading poetry is her chief source of delectation.
The concert was a pure delectation for music lovers.
His witty remarks added to the delectation of the evening.
(Archaic) The king’s jester was skilled in the art of delectation.