Shoddy

1. A fibrous material obtained by “deviling,” or tearing into fibers, refuse woolen goods, old stockings, rags, druggets, etc. See Mungo.
2. Fluffy, fibrous waste from wool carding, worsted spinning, or weaving of woolens.
3. A fabric of inferior quality made of, or containing a large amount of, shoddy.

The great quantity of shoddy goods furnished as army supplies in the late Civil War in the United States gave wide currency to the word, and it came to be applied to persons who pretend to a higher position in society than that to which their breeding or worth entitles them; this term is now (1997) rarely used in that sense.
a.

1. Made wholly or in part of shoddy; containing shoddy; as, shoddy cloth; shoddy blankets; hence, colloquially, not genuine; sham; pretentious; as, shoddy aristocracy.
2. of poor quality or inferior workmanship.
3. visibly worn or damaged from use; shabby.