Darkling

Origin

From Middle English derkelyng, from derk ("dark") + -lyng ("-ling").

The verb darkle is a back-formation from darkling.

Full definition of darkling

Noun

1. Darkness.
2. (fantasy) A creature that lives in the dark.

Adjective

1. Dark; darkening.
• 1867, Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach:And we are here as on a darkling plainSwept with confused alarms of struggle and flight,Where ignorant armies clash by night
2. obscure; done or happening 'in the dark' or unseen.

Adverb

1. In the dark; in obscurity.
• Shakespeare, King LearSo, out went the candle, and we were left darkling.
• MiltonAs the wakeful bird sings darkling.

Verb

1. Present participle of darkle