Beggardom

/ˈbɛɡərdəm/ noun

Definition

the state, condition, or realm of being a beggar; the world or community of beggars collectively.

Etymology

From 'beggar' (from Middle English 'beggar,' possibly from Old French 'begard') plus the suffix '-dom' (from Old English, meaning domain, state, or condition of). This creates a noun describing the social condition of begging.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance literature sometimes referred to 'beggardom' as an almost separate society with its own rules, hierarchies, and territories—it was recognized as a distinct social stratum with its own organization.

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