Archaic term for a beggar. Related to 薦被り (こもかぶり), a straw mat worn over the head, associated with beggars in historical contexts.
See also: 薦被り
In Edo-period documents, the word 御薦 is used to refer to beggars.
Variant kanji spelling, also archaic.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The spelling 御薦 is associated with 薦 (straw mat) and the honorific prefix 御, possibly linked to the practice of beggars wearing straw mats (薦被り).