Mendicant

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmÉ›n.dɪ.kÉ™nt/

Origin

From Latin mendīcāns, present participle of mendīcō ("beg"). Compare French mendiant.

Full definition of mendicant

Adjective

1. Depending on alms for a living.
2. Of or pertaining to a beggar.
3. Of or pertaining to a member of a religious order forbidden to own property, and who must beg for a living.

Noun

1. A pauper who lives by begging.
2. A religious friar, forbidden to own personal property, who begs for a living.

Related terms

• mendicant order