Pottery made at the city of Delft in Holland; hence:

Earthenware made in imitation of the above; any glazed earthenware made for table use, and the like.

Tin-glazed earthenware made at Delft, Netherlands, and also in England, where the industry was introduced by immigrant Dutch potters. The latter ware is best termed English delftware to separate it from that made in Holland. The term is synonymous with maiolica, which is Italian tin-glazed earthenware, and is often used interchangeably (though technically incorrect) with faience, tinware, and majolica.