Here's the breakdown:
* 18th Century: The word "shod" meant "clothed, dressed, or provided with shoes." This is related to the word "shoe" and reflects the idea of being covered or protected.
* 19th Century: The textile industry began using "shoddy" to describe a type of cloth made from recycled wool fibers. These fibers, often from worn-out clothing, were short and of lower quality, resulting in a fabric that was less durable.
* Early 20th Century: The word "shoddy" evolved to become a general term for anything of inferior quality or workmanship. This was due to the association of the recycled wool with being cheap and not as good as new materials.
In essence, the word "shoddy" traces its roots back to the textile industry and its use of recycled materials. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass anything considered to be of poor quality or inferior in some way.