Darn
[dɑːn] or [dɑrn]
Definition
(v. t.) To mend as a rent or hole, with interlacing stitches of yarn or thread by means of a needle; to sew together with yarn or thread.
(n.) A place mended by darning.
(v. t.) A colloquial euphemism for Damn.
Editor: Peter
Definition
v.i. a minced form of damn.
v.t. to mend a hole by imitating the texture of the stuff.—n. the place darned.—n. Darn′ing-needle.
Checked by Cecily
Examples
- When the little figure had vanished in the darkness the reddleman returned, resumed his seat by the fire, and proceeded to darn again. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Darn me if I couldn't eat em, said the man, with a threatening shake of his head, and if I han't half a mind to't! Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Well, I'm darned! Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Moreover, as he darned he smoked a pipe, the stem and bowl of which were red also. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- She darned the old suit in tears. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- Those coming up from the ranks are a darned sight better than the others. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- While he darned the stocking his face became rigid with thought. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- Then she hadn't so much as a darned stocking or a cleaned pair of gloves in all her wardrobe. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- Right enough, as long as we're in the open sea, retorted Martin gloomily, but Lord help us if we touch any of them darned reefs. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- I should like to know what Charlotte says about it as she sits darning her cotton stockings on a Saturday night. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- It flew open, and there he stood in his dressing gown, with a big blue sock on one hand and a darning needle in the other. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- The German gentlemen embroider, I know, but darning hose is another thing and not so pretty. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- You must keep as much of your darning as you can till then. Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- He was darning a stocking, which was red like the rest of him. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- So I have got his things in order, and knit heels into two pairs of the socks, for they were boggled out of shape with his queer darns. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
Edited by Aaron