(definition) by Webster 1913 Tue Dec 21 1999 at 23:14:12

Dreg (?), n. [Prob. from Icel. dregg; akin to Sw. dragg, cf. Icel. & Sw. draga to draw. Cf. Draw.]

Corrupt or defiling matter contained in a liquid, or precipitated from it; refuse; feculence; lees; grounds; sediment; hence, the vilest and most worthless part of anything; as, the dregs of society.

We, the dregs and rubbish of mankind. Dryden.

⇒ Used formerly (rarely) in the singular, as by Spenser and Shakespeare, but now chiefly in the plural.

 

© Webster 1913.

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