A-Z: General definitions: Mendicant

Definition

1. Member of one of the orders of begging friars.

2. To rely on the charity of others for the provision of one's livelihood, often through itinerant begging. Particularly adopted by religious orders, such as monks and nuns, although the term can also refer generally to beggars. Mendicant orders are those who do not own property in principle. This practice was particularly popular during the Middle Ages.

Translation

Latin: mendicus meaning beggar

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