E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Duresley.
You are a man of Duresley, i.e. a great liar and cheat. Duresley is a market-town in Gloucestershire, famous for its broadcloth manufactory. Now called Dursley. (See Fuller Worthies.) The word “cabbage,” connected with tailors, seems to confirm the notion that our forefathers had no very high opinion of their honesty.
