subs. phr. (old).—Couples or gangs of beggars.

1

  c. 1696.  B. E., A New Dictionary of the Canting Crew. Beggars plying in FLYING CAMPS. Beggars plying in bodies at funerals.

2

  1785.  GROSE, A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, s.v.

3