NCSU Mom

Hi all. I'm new here, just stumbled on this forum last night, so please bear with me in my ignorance. I am researching clothing as a form of "signpost", such as modern-day uniforms signifying law-enforment, military, politician,etc. Most specifically, I remember some time ago running across mention of a "beggars coat" (which was probably actually a robe or vest-type of thing) which signified a person's "license to beg". Can anyone help me with this? Thanks in advance!!