Green’s Dictionary of Slang

an insignificant person.

1653		Mercurius Democritus 5-12 Oct. 607: These pair of Durgens [...] that some think were more fitter to make Eves Droppers than Tradesmen.
c.1698		B.E. Dict. Canting Crew n.p.: Dergin a very short Man or Woman.
1785, 1788, 1796		Grose Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue.
1811		Lex. Balatronicum.
1823		Egan Grose’s Classical Dict. of the Vulgar Tongue.