darkling

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

From Middle English derkelyng. By surface analysis, dark + -ling.

He longed to make himself master of the "darkling secrets of Eternity." — The Life of Sir Richard Burton, Thomas Wright
In bending forward that she might see the better, she caught sight of someone leaning against the balustrades which had before concealed him--the boy, in short, who was standing just as he had stood when they drove up, and who looked as handsome in a darkling way as human boy could look. — In Connection with the De Willoughby Claim, Frances Hodgson Burnett
In the darkling battle’s strife, Soldier! spare your victim’s life, When, armed against you in the field, Feeble and weak, he cries--“I yield!” Him may’st thou spare: but to the grave Shalt thou pursue the chief who gave Such dire example to the rest That tear for food their mother’s breast!-- Then let each warrior grasp the vengeful brand, And shed th’ invaders’ blood to fertilize the land! — The Mysteries of London, v. 4/4, George W. M. (George William MacArthur) Reynolds

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