Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US tramp) a crippled beggar; any person.

1858		Jeffersonian (Stroudsburg, PA) 25 Nov. 1/3: ‘Get on, Limpy!’ said he, as he passed the lame, carelessly dressed man.
[1871		Knoxville Dly Chron. (TN) 10 Jan. 1/4: Olympe, ususally called Limpy by the boys, begged and sold matches].
1885		Louisiana Capitolian (Baton Rouge, LA) 17 Nov. 4/1: Limpy, let’s see your tool chest before you go.
1892		Record Union (Sacramentio, CA) 29 Aug. 6/1: [headline] limpy Jim and Other Fools.
1905		Bourbon News (Paris, KY) 7 Nov. 6/3: ‘Well, we’re going to look out for a little cove what’s lame anyhow’ ‘There comes Limpy now’.
1914		Day Book (Chicago) 14 Oct. 19/2: Limpy Ted, a half-witted fellow.
1930		‘Dean Stiff’ Milk and Honey Route 209: Limpy — A cripple.
1937		‘F. Bonnamy’ Death on a Dude Ranch (1953) 113: Come and get me, Limpey! Get me if you can, you old hag!
1943		J. Phelan Letters from the Big House 25: ‘Trouble is,’ Limpy Jo Currins was saying.
1965		B. Jackson Get Your Ass in the Water (1974) 85: I’ll tell you the story of a notorious pickpocket, who name was Limpty Lefty McCree.