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

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

Many were buried in Portland cemeteries, some in unmarked pauper graves.

From Seattle Times

Under local laws, bone samples are taken from unidentified bodies before they are buried in paupers’ graves.

From Seattle Times

Well, in the portal’s early weeks, the Bruins have been closer to paupers given all the transfer targets who committed elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times