| darn | 1. 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. "He spent every day ten hours in his closet, in darning his stockins." (Swift) Darning needle. A long, strong needle for mending holes or rents, especially in stockings. 2. <zoology> Any species of dragon fly, having a long, cylindrical body, resembling a needle. These flies are harmless and without stings. Synonym: devil's darning-needle. Origin: OE. Derne, prob. Of Celtic origin; cf. W. Darnio to piece, break in pieces, W. & Arm. To E. Tear. Cf. Tear. (04 Mar 1998) |
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| darnel | <botany> Any grass of the genus Lolium, especially. The Lolium temulentum (bearded darnel), the grains of which have been reputed poisonous. Other species, as Lolium perenne (rye grass or ray grass), and its variety L. Italicum (Italian rye grass), are highly esteemed for pasture and for making hay. Under darnel our early herbalists comprehended all kinds of cornfield weeds. Origin: OE. Darnel, dernel, of uncertain origin; cf. Dial. F. Darnelle, Sw. Dar-repe; perh. Named from a supposed intoxicating quality of the plant, and akin to Sw. Dara to infatuate, OD. Door foolish, G. Thor fool, and Ee. Dizzy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |