a-begging

A further thought … Re. discussion boards, with the advent of “Trolling” (luring forum newbies into arguments, just for kicks) and “Griefing” (purposefully causing annoyance to fellow forum users by flaming), does the “Be True” part (“do not say what you believe is false/lack evidence for”) kinda go a-begging?

G is for Grice (and his Maxims) « An A-Z of ELT 2010

You are bolder than the boldest gipsy, for you not only steal my ideas, and disfigure them that they may pass for yours, but you have the assurance to come a-begging with them to the door of the original parent!

Saint Ronan's Well 2008

I'm guessing that a-begging doesn't generally pay well, though I have heard of people making a fair bit.

Beth goes a Begging! Elizabeth McClung 2008

The fifth behest, O my son, is Keep thy wealth and it will keep thee; guard thy money and it will guard thee; and waste not thy substance lest haply thou come to want and must fare a-begging from the meanest of mankind.

The Book of The Thousand Nights And A Night 2006

Grafton resign them; but after their going a-begging for some time, the

Letters to his son on The Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman 2005

Thirty pounds and twenty-five guineas a year made fifty-six pounds five shillings English money, all which was in a manner going a-begging, and might easily be secured in the family.

The Vicar of Wakefield 2004

If this request (which, if it be complied with, will in some measure be an encouragement to a man of learning) should be disagreeable or troublesome, I would not press it; for I would be the last man on earth to have my labors go a-begging; but if I know

The Life of Oliver Goldsmith 2004

Such a house and property as Castle Richmond is not likely to go a-begging among the young women.

Castle Richmond 2004

More money than would have done this was expended, or rather thrown away, upon them here, to keep them in suspense, and afterwards starve them; sending them a-begging all over the nation, and shipping them off to perish in other countries.

From London to Land's End 2003

Then he went down on all fours and crawled off, begging them to let him alone, and he rolled himself up in his blanket and wallowed in under the old pine table, still a-begging; and then he went to crying.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 2003