Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dern \Dern\, n. [Etymol. uncertain.]
   A gatepost or doorpost. [Local Eng.] --C. Kingsley.

Dern \Dern\, a. [See {Dearn}, a.]
   1. Hidden; concealed; secret. [Obs.] ``Ye must be full
      dern.'' --Chaucer.

   2. Solitary; sad. [Obs.] --Dr. H. More.