or Bessy, subs. (old).—A lunatic vagrant; see TOM-O’-BEDLAM. ‘DON’T BE A BESSY,’ said to a man who interferes with women’s business: see BETTY. BESSY-BAD = a person who is fond of childish amusements.
1821. SCOTT, Kenilworth, xxvi. ‘Why, what Bess of Bedlam is this, would ask to see my lord on such a day as the present?’
