dearling
English edit
Etymology edit
Equivalent to dear + -ling. More at darling.
Noun edit
dearling (plural dearlings)
- Alternative form of darling
- 1596, Edmund Spenser, “Book VI, Canto IX”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
- Thoſe dainty parts, the dearlings of delight, / Which mote not be profan'd of common eyes,
- 1885–1888, Richard F[rancis] Burton, transl. and editor, “Night 18”, in A Plain and Literal Translation of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainments, now Entituled The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night […], Shammar edition, volume (please specify the volume), [London]: […] Burton Club […], →OCLC:
- 'Twas not satiety bade me leave the dearling of my soul, / But that she sinned a mortal sin which clips me in its clip.
- 2006, Kate Forsyth, The Shining City:
- “I dinna ken, dearling,” he said huskily. “I wish . . . och, how I wish . ... “It shouldna be long, dearling.”
- 2010, Sandra Hill, The Last Viking:
- “Whate'er you say, dearling.” Despite her insults, Geirolf could see the love glowing in her face and he was encouraged.