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.

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

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.

beseech

To urgently and fervently ask someone for something.

plead

To make an emotional appeal to someone.

charity

The voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money.

Hobo

He looked like a hobo, wandering the streets without a home.

Panhandler

The panhandler on the street corner asks for change.