mendicancy

[ men-di-kuhn-see ]

noun

1. the practice of begging, as for alms.
2. the state or condition of being a beggar.

Other Words From

• non·mendi·can·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mendicancy¹

First recorded in 1780–90; mendic(ant) + -ancy

Example Sentences

As the monastic system was increased, and especially after the mendicant orders had consecrated mendicancy, the evil assumed gigantic dimensions.

From Project Gutenberg

The theory of the Roman Catholic religion positively encourages mendicancy.

From Project Gutenberg

It was no part of Francis’s design that the friars should live by idle mendicancy, and we have seen that the Rule expresses the obligation to labor.

From Project Gutenberg

He recommended a life of religious mendicancy and voluntary poverty as absolutely necessary for admission to his kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

This licensed mendicancy was finally suppressed by the Act of Parliament, passed in the thirty-ninth year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, “For the Suppressing of Rogues, Vagabonds, and Sturdy Beggars.”

From Project Gutenberg