pauper

[ paw-per ]

noun

1. a person without any means of support, especially a destitute person who depends on aid from public welfare funds or charity.
2. a very poor person.

pauper

/ ˈpɔːpə /

noun

1. a person who is extremely poor
2. (formerly) a destitute person supported by public charity

Derived Forms

• ˈpauperˌism, noun

Other Words From

• pauper·age pauper·dom noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pauper¹

1485–95; < Latin: poor

Word History and Origins

Origin of pauper¹

C16: from Latin: poor

Example Sentences

Buried in an unmarked pauper's grave in Loughborough Cemetery, more than 300 miles away from his family home in Ayr, his body would lie there anonymously for another 120 years until some Notts County fans launched a campaign to "put right the wrong".

From BBC

The adults in the graves are presumed to be what are known as "pauper’s burials", for individuals whose families could not afford to pay for a grave.

From BBC

He kept a stash of money sewed into his ragged coat and conveniently escaped for a hot bath and a good meal while pretending to pass as a pauper.

From Salon

For most of human history, identity was ascribed at birth: pauper, peasant, preacher, princess.

From Slate

Dexter Wade was buried at the Hinds County Pauper’s Cemetery, but it was October before his mother was told about the burial.

From Seattle Times