Meaning of word

[Graham Monty]

What does the word 'devil' refer to in the tune title Devil Among the Tailors

[Quizmonster]

I'm not familiar with the tune you refer to, but the phrase itself has been in use for about 200 years to mean an argument/row. This sentence appeared in a publication in the 1830s: "Reports are various as to the state of the enemy's camp, but all agree there is the devil among the tailors."

It was also a game involving a spinning top (devil) made to try to knock over skittle-type men (tailors) on a board. Whichever way you look at it, it meant 'trouble'.