dilling Obs. exc. dial.
(ˈdɪlɪŋ)
[Of doubtful etymology: it has been variously conjectured to be connected with dill v.2, or ON. dilla to trill, to lull, or to be a modification of derling, darling. Further evidence is wanted.]
A term of endearment, sometimes equivalent to darling, sometimes, the youngest of a family, the last born. In modern dialects applied to the weakling of a litter.
| [1547 Salesbury Welsh Dict., Dillin Mignyon.] 1584 B. R. Herodotus 106 After this there befell unto him another mischiefe that sate as neere his skirtes as the death of his dilling. 1598 Florio, Mignone, a minion, a fauorit, a dilling, a minikin, a darling. 1607 Marston What you Will ii. i, Sunne, Moone, and seauen Starres make thee the dilling of Fortune. 1611 Cotgr., Besot, a dilling, or swill-pough; the last, or yongest child one hath. 1612 Drayton Poly-olb. ii. 26 The youngest and the last..Saint Hellen's name doth beare, the dilling of her mother. 1617 Minsheu Ductor in Ling., A Dilling or wanton, one borne his father being very old..he is loved more than the rest. a 1639 Whately Prototypes ii. xxvi. (1640) 76 For Joseph and Benjamin..they were his youngest sons, dillings as we call them. 1674 Ray S. & E.C. Words 64 A Dilling; a Darling or best-beloved child. 1890 Robertson Glouc Gloss., Dilling pig or dolly pig, the weakly pig of a litter. |