couple-beggar

Casey's bodyguard, who tied Andy neck and heels, and in that helpless state he witnessed the marriage ceremony performed by the "couple-beggar," between Casey and the girl he had looked upon as his own five minutes before.

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

In vain did he raise his voice against the proceeding; the "couple-beggar" smothered his objections in ribald jests.

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

Great was the delight of the party at the history they heard, when the cloth was drawn, of Andy's wedding, so much in keeping with his former life and adventures, and Father Phil had another opportunity of venting his rage against the "couple-beggar."

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

"Do you know the 'couple-beggar'?" said the priest.

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

"No; but we can take you from her," said the "couple-beggar"; and, at the words, Casey's friends dragged Andy from the cottage, bidding a rollicking adieu to their triumphant companion, who bolted the door after them and became possessor of the wife and property poor Andy thought he had secured.

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

-- didn't that blackguard 'couple-beggar' lay his dirty hands on a woman that my bran new benediction was upon!

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

Great was the surprise of the Father to see the fellow he had married the night before, and whom he supposed to be in the enjoyment of his honeymoon, tied up to a tree and looking more dead than alive; and his indignation knew no bounds when he heard that a "couple-beggar" had dared to celebrate the marriage ceremony, which fact came out in the course of the explanation Andy made of the desperate misadventure which had befallen him; but all other grievances gave way in the eyes of Father Phil to the

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

_coup-de-main_ which robbed Andy of his wife, and his reverence puffing out his rosy cheeks and muttering sundry angry sentences, the only intelligible words of which were "couple-beggar."

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

[Footnote: A man and woman who had been united by a "couple-beggar" were called up one Sunday by the priest in the face of the congregation, and summoned, as Father Phil threatens above, to beg God's pardon, and the priest's pardon, and the congregation's pardon; but the woman stoutly refused the last condition.

Handy Andy, Volume 2 — a Tale of Irish Life Samuel Lover 1832

Come, my old couple-beggar, there's a noose before you. "

Willy Reilly The Works of William Carleton, Volume One William Carleton 1831