Mendicant

usgb/ˈmendɪkənt/
noun

A person, especially a religious one, who relies on asking people for money or food.

The mendicant roamed the streets begging for food and money.
Visual representation of "mendicant" - A person, especially a religious one, who relies on asking people for money or food.

Often appears as...

  • mendicant monk
  • mendicant friar

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "mendicant"
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Historical Context

Originally referred to religious people begging as part of their spiritual practice.

Illustration for Historical Context
Medieval mendicants renounced possessions, living off charity.
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Modern Usage

Nowadays, it can refer to any person who begs for money or food.

Illustration for Modern Usage
He encountered a mendicant on his way to work, asking for spare change.
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Emotional Connotation

Mendicant can have a sympathetic or disparaging connotation, depending on context.

Illustration for Emotional Connotation
The kind lady offered the mendicant a meal and a warm coat.
Visual representation of the word "Mendicant"

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