— dartingly , adv. — dartingness , n.
/dahrt/ , n.
1. a small, slender missile that is pointed at one end and usually feathered at the other and is propelled by hand, as in the game of darts, or by a blowgun when used as a weapon.
2. something similar in function to such a missile, as the stinging member of an insect.
3. darts , ( used with a sing. v. ) a game in which darts are thrown at a target usually marked with concentric circles divided into segments and with a bull's-eye in the center.
4. an act of darting; a sudden swift movement.
5. a tapered seam of fabric for adjusting the fit of a garment.
v.i.
6. to move swiftly; spring or start suddenly and run swiftly: A mouse darted out of the closet and ran across the room.
v.t.
7. to thrust or move suddenly or rapidly: He darted his eyes around the room.
[ 1275-1325; ME daroth, OHG tart, ON darrathr spear, lance ]
Syn. 1. arrow, barb. 6. dash, bolt, shoot.