E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Abram-Man,
or Abraham Cove. A Tom o’ Bedlam; a naked vagabond; a begging impostor.
1
The Abraham Ward, in Bedlam, had for its inmates begging lunatics, who used to array themselves “with party-coloured ribbons, tape in their hats, a fox-tail hanging down, a long stick with streamers,” and beg alms; but “for all their seeming madness, they had wit enough to steal as they went along.”—Canting Academy.
2
See King Lear, ii. 3.
3
In Beaumont and Fletcher we have several synonyms:—
