Pauper

/ˈpɔːpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a very poor person who lacks money to pay for basic necessities.

Despite being a pauper, he always managed to help those even less fortunate than himself.

a person who is dependent on public charity; a person without means of support.

The city had a program to assist paupers with housing and food.

historically, a person who was legally classified as poor and entitled to receive assistance from the state.

In the 19th century, many paupers were placed in workhouses to receive aid.

From Latin 'pauper' meaning 'poor, needy'.

pennyless pauper

An extremely poor person, one without any money.

pauper's grave

A grave for someone who cannot afford a proper burial.

beggar

A person who asks others for money or food.

vagrant

A person without a permanent home who wanders from place to place.

Broke

I'm completely broke after paying rent, just like a pauper.

Flat broke

I'm flat broke this week; I feel like a pauper.