Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

To Sham Abraham.

To pretend illness or distress, in order to get off work. (See Abram-Man.)

I have heard people say Sham Abram you may,
But must not Sham Abraham Newland.

—T. Dibdin or Upton

Abraham Newland was cashier of the Bank of England, and signed the notes.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Abraham's Bosom
Abraham
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