from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Darn \Darn\ (d[aum]rn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Darned}
(d[aum]rnd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Darning}.] [OE. derne, prob. of
Celtic origin; cf. W. darnio to piece, break in pieces, W. &
Arm. to E. tear. Cf. {Tear}, v. t.]
To mend as a rent or hole, with interlacing stitches of yarn
or thread by means of a needle; to sew together with yarn or
thread.
[1913 Webster]
He spent every day ten hours in his closet, in darning
his stockings. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
{Darning last}. See under {Last}.
{Darning needle}.
(a) A long, strong needle for mending holes or rents,
especially in stockings.
(b) (Zool.) Any species of dragon fly, having a long,
cylindrical body, resembling a needle. These flies are
harmless and without stings.
Note: [In this sense, usually written with a hyphen.] Called
also {devil's darning-needle}.
[1913 Webster]