Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DAR'LING, a. [Sax. deorling; deor, dear, and ling, which primarily denotes likeness, and in some words, is a diminutive. So in G. liebling, loveling, D. lieveling. See Dear.]

Dearly beloved; favorite; regarded with great kindness and tenderness; as, a darling child; a darling science. – Watts.