beggary

/ˈbɛɡəri/
noun
  1. The state of being extremely poor; extreme poverty.
    • Beggary is a serious problem in many parts of the world.
    • He lived in beggary for years before finding work.
    • The family was reduced to beggary after losing their home.
  2. The practice or condition of begging for money or food.
    • Beggary was common during the economic depression.
    • She devoted her life to helping people escape beggary.
    • The city passed a law against beggary in public places.
What does "beggary" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean