Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DREGS, n. [plur. Sw. drägg; Dan. drank; Gr. τρυξ, τρυγια. That which is drained or thrown off, or that which subsides. See Class Rg, No. 8, 28, 58.]

1. The sediment of liquors; lees; grounds; feculence; any foreign matter of liquors that subsides to the bottom of a vessel.
2. Waste or worthless matter; dross; sweepings; refuse. Hence, the most vile and despicable part of men; as, the dregs of society. Dreg, in the singular, is found in Spenser, but is not now used.