Definition of "darling"

But Richmond, his grandfather's darling, after one thoughtful glance cast under his lashes at that uncompromising countenance appeared to lose himself in his own reflections.

1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax

Oh! Darling, please believe me / I'll never do you no harm

1969, Paul McCartney (lyrics and music), “Oh! Darling”, in Abbey Road, performed by The Beatles

Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling / Still I'd be on my feet

1972, Joni Mitchell (lyrics and music), “A Case of You”, in Blue

One of the darlings of the early vegetarian movement (particularly in its even sadder form, the cutlet), it was on the menu at John Harvey Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium[sic], and has since become the default Sunday option for vegetarians – and a default source of derision for everyone else.

2011 December 15, Felicity Cloake, “How to cook the perfect nut roast”, in Guardian‎