| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Abram-Man, | | |
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or Abraham Cove. A Tom o’ Bedlam; a naked vagabond; a begging impostor. | 1 |
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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 |
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See King Lear, ii. 3. | 3 |
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In Beaumont and Fletcher we have several synonyms:— | 4 |
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| “And these, what name or title e’er they bear, |
| Jackman or Pat’rico, Cranke or Clapper-dudgeon, |
| Fraier or Abram-man, I speak to all.” | |
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