werlyng
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darling — O.E. deorling darling, favorite minion, double dim. of deor dear (see DEAR (Cf. dear)). The vowel shift from e to a (16c.) is usual for er followed by a consonant. It is better to be An olde mans derlyng, than a yong mans werlyng (1562) … Etymology dictionary
better be an old man’s darling, than a young man’s slave — 1546 J. HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs II. vii. 13v Many yeres sens, my mother seyd to me, Hyr elders wold saie, it ys better to be An olde mans derlyng, then a yong mans werlyng [object of scorn]. 1721 J. KELLY Scottish Proverbs 74 Better an old… … Proverbs new dictionary
