mendicity

[ men-dis-i-tee ]

noun

1. mendicancy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mendicity¹

1350–1400; Middle English mendicite < Latin mendīcitās beggary, equivalent to mendīc ( us ) needy, beggarly + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

In many cases it assumes only another form of mendicity.

From Project Gutenberg

English travellers are given to commenting on the mendicity in foreign cities, but I must confess that nowhere have I met with so many beggars as in our own capital.

From Project Gutenberg

It is interesting to note that mendicity was not looked upon with favour in those days, and that praiseworthy attempts were made to regulate it and restrain it within the narrowest possible limits.

From Project Gutenberg

There are no poor laws in operation at Munich, no mendicity societies, no tract, and soup and blanket charities; yet pauperism, mendicity, and starvation, are nearly unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

We must remember, at the same time, as Dr. Hastings Rashdall points out, that the example of the Friars had made mendicity comparatively respectable.

From Project Gutenberg