beggar

[ beg-er ]

noun

1. a person who begs beg alms or lives by begging. beg.
2. a penniless person.
3. a wretched fellow; rogue:

   the surly beggar who collects the rents.

4. a child or youngster (usually preceded by little ):

   a sudden urge to hug the little beggar.

verb (used with object)

1. to reduce to utter poverty; impoverish:

   The family had been beggared by the war.

2. to cause one's resources of or ability for (description, comparison, etc.) to seem poor or inadequate:

   The costume beggars description.

beggar

/ ˈbɛɡə /

noun

1. a person who begs, esp one who lives by begging
2. a person who has no money or resources; pauper
3. ironic.
   fellow

   lucky beggar!

verb

1. to be beyond the resources of (esp in the phrase to beggar description )
2. to impoverish; reduce to begging

Derived Forms

• ˈbeggarˌhood, noun

Other Words From

• beggar·hood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beggar¹

First recorded in 1175–1225, beggar is from the Middle English word beggare, beggere. See beg ¹, -er ¹, -ar ³

Example Sentences

A source familiar with the dilemmas told me it “beggars belief” that minsters can talk about giving the NHS extra billions and promising reform without doing the same for social care.

From BBC

Armstrong said the use of hotels and bed and breakfasts as temporary accommodation has been well documented, but confirmation that glamping pods are now also being utilised “beggars belief”.

From BBC

One of our two political parties has, during the last two decades, descended into such unseriousness and gross irresponsibility as to beggar belief.

From Salon

My own country at the 11th hour have withdrawn their nomination, which beggars belief.

From BBC

Mr Yunus's scheme was so successful that even beggars had been able to borrow money under his scheme.

From BBC

Related Words

• bum
• panhandler
• vagabond