I. ˈsȯ(ˌ)dəst noun
Etymology: saw (II) + dust
1.
a. : dust or small fragments (as of wood or stone) made by a saw in cutting
the floor was covered with sawdust
b. : flimsy stuffing
a man made of sawdust
2. or sawdust liver : a cattle abnormality of undetermined cause characterized by the presence of small granular light-colored areas scattered through the liver
II. transitive verb
: to strew or carpet with sawdust
III. adjective
1. : covered or stuffed with sawdust
the sawdust ring
a sawdust doll
2. : of, relating to, or connected with an enterprise (as a circus or revival meeting) conducted under a tent
a sawdust performer
a sawdust preacher
3. : having no real substance : not solid
she asks vital questions, but she gives sawdust answers — Saturday Review
a sawdust Caesar