I. ˈdär-liŋ noun
Etymology: Middle English derling, from Old English dēorling, from dēore dear
Date: before 12th century
1. : a dearly loved person
2. : favorite
a director who is the darling of the critics
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
1. : dearly loved : favorite
2. : very pleasing : charming
• dar·ling·ly -liŋ-lē adverb
• dar·ling·ness noun