Darn \Darn\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Darned; 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.

He spent every day ten hours in his closet, in darning his stockins. --Swift.

Darning last. See under Last.

Darning needle.
   (a) A long, strong needle for mending holes or rents, especially in stockings.
   (b) (Zo["o]l.) 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)