Also in the phrase to give the Devil his due.
Giue them their due though they were diuels‥and excuse them for taking anie money at interest.
[1589 Lyly Pap with Hatchet III. 407]
Giue the diuell his due.
[1596 Nashe Saffron Walden III. 36]
The Cavaliers (to give the Divell his due) fought very valiantly.
[1642 Prince Rupert's Declaration 2]
You always used me in an officer-like manner, that I must own, to give the devil his due.
[1751 Smollett Peregrine Pickle I. xvii.]
To give the devil his due‥I don't think that Irvin planned to incriminate anyone else.
[1936 H. Austin Murder of Matriarch xxiii.]
Giving the devil his due will always jostle the angels.
[1978 R. L. Hill Evil that Men Do vi.]
Related to: fair dealing
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
