Wiktionary
n. 1 (context derogatory slang English) An employee in a menial, unskilled role in a factory or workshop. Named for such employees often carrying a rag with them to wipe up spillages of oil or grease. 2 (context Cockney rhyming slang English) A cigarette - by way of fag.
Usage examples of "oily rag".
I wiped an oily rag down the blade, and then sheathed the sword at my hip.
Kate exchanged looks with the man as he took his chair and used an oily rag to clean his fingers.
So they're existing on the smell of an oily rag and things are pretty shaky back at the ranch.
It was there, wrapped in an oily rag, nestled in the bottom with his other guns.
Remember the salt air, and they'll be getting only an occasional wipe with an oily rag.
As the spider began to start toward them, Dean quickly ignited the oily rag tied around the neck of the bottle and smashed it on the concrete at the middle of the web.
Hurin had his short sword and sword-breaker on the table, wiping them with an oily rag.
I wanted an oily rag and a whetstone, to make it the way it should he once again.