E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Devil’s Dust.
Old rags torn up by a machine called the “devil,” and made into shoddy by gum and pressure. Mr. Ferrand brought the subject before Parliament, March 4th, 1842. It is so called from the dishonesty and falsehood which it covers. (Latimer’s Sermons.)
