Abraham man

noun2

1. •
   Any beggar who pretends to be ill, physically or mentally, to obtain alms.

   • An Abraham man is he that walketh bare armed, and bare legged, and fayneth hymselfe mad, and caryeth a packe of wool, or a stycke with baken on it, or such lyke toy, and nameth himselfe poore Tom. — 1561
2. •
   (UK, no longer used) A mentally ill beggar.