Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US tramp) to beg from a person who is standing on the curb or in front of a shop window.

1927

C. Samolar ‘Argot of the Vagabond’ in AS II:9 390: Swatting flies consists of accosting individuals who have ‘lighted’ at curbstones or store-windows. Such individuals are generally in leisurely moods and are easily approached.