\Dreg\, n. [Prob. from Icel. dregg; akin to Sw. dr["a]gg,
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.

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