Beggar

/ˈbɛɡər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person, typically a homeless one, who asks for money or food.
The beggar sat on the sidewalk, holding a sign asking for help.
A person who is extremely poor and lives by begging.
In the city, there are many beggars who struggle to find shelter.
A person who asks earnestly or humbly for something.
He felt like a beggar when he approached his boss for a raise.

Etymology

The word 'beggar' comes from the Middle English 'beggere', from Old French 'beguer', and originally the Latin 'beggare'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

beggar belief:
To be so astonishing or troublesome that it is hard to believe.
beggar description:
Incapable of being adequately described with words.
as poor as a church mouse:
Extremely poor, often used to describe a beggar's state.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Hobo
He looked like a hobo, wandering the streets without a home.
Panhandler
The panhandler on the street corner asks for change.