subs. phr. (old).—See quots.: a TOM OF BEDLAM (q.v.).
1811. GROSE and CLARKE, Lexicon Balatronicum, s.v. MAD TOM … a rogue that counterfeits madness.
1859. G. W. MATSELL, Vocabulum; or, The Rogue’s Lexicon, s.v. MAD TOM. A fellow who feigns to be foolish.
