Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Dern
Dern (dẽrn), n. [Etymol. uncertain.] A gatepost or doorpost. [Local Eng.] C. Kingsley.
Dern, a. [See Dearn, a.] 1. Hidden; concealed; secret. [Obs.] "Ye must be full dern." Chaucer.
2. Solitary; sad. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.