subs. phr. (old cant).—See quot. 1696 (HARMAN, GROSE).
c. 1696. B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew, s.v. STROWLING-MORTS, c. pretending to be Widows, sometimes Travel the Countries, making Laces upon Ewes, Beggers-tape, &c. Are light Finger’d, Subtil, Hypocritical, Cruel, and often dangerous to meet, especially when a Ruffler is with them.
1707. J. SHIRLEY, The Triumph of Wit, ‘The Maunder’s Praise of His STROWLING MORT.’
| Doxy, oh! thy glaziers shine | |
| As glimmar; by the Salomon! |
