Mendicant
/ˈmendɪkənt/
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Context
Originally referred to religious people begging as part of their spiritual practice.
Medieval mendicants renounced possessions, living off charity.
Pro Tip 2/3Modern Usage
Nowadays, it can refer to any person who begs for money or food.
He encountered a mendicant on his way to work, asking for spare change.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Connotation
Mendicant can have a sympathetic or disparaging connotation, depending on context.
The kind lady offered the mendicant a meal and a warm coat.
Compare with
BeggarBumItinerantNomadPauperTrampVagrantWander
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