A young man who is developing into or beginning to show the characteristics of a dandy.
From 'dandy' plus the diminutive or diminishing suffix '-ling' (as in 'duckling' or 'earthling'), suggesting a smaller or younger version.
This delightful word captures how fashion obsession was seen as something young men had to 'grow into'—it suggests dandyism was viewed as a phase rather than an admirable permanent lifestyle.
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