panhandling

Also referred to begging, sponging, spanging. Aggressive panhandling involves the solicitation of donations in an inappropriate and intimidating manner. This is not mugging, but rather a "borderline" activity which is often prohibited by law. Etymology: back-formation from panhandler, probably from panhandle, noun; from the extended forearm Date: 1894 intransitive verb : to stop people on the street and ask for food or money : beg transitive verb 1 : to accost on the street and beg from 2 : to get by panhandling