subs.—A bank note (GROSE, BEE). [Abraham Newland was chief cashier to the Bank of England, from 1778 to 1807.] Hence TO SHAM ABRAHAM = to forge bank paper (see ABRAHAM-MAN).
c. 1778–1807. DIBDIN, Song.
| I have heard people say, that SHAM ABRAHAM you may; ah, every day; | |
| But you must not SHAM ABRAHAM Newland. |
1829. SCOTT, Letter [Croker Papers, II. 36]. A bank note seems to terrify everybody out of their wits, and they will rather give up their constitution to Hunt and Cobbett than part with an ABRAHAM NEWLAND to preserve it.
