MENDICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Mendicity is a noun that refers to the act of begging or living as a beggar. It originates from the Latin word mendicitas, which means poverty or beggary.
In its most basic sense, mendicity describes the state or condition of being a beggar. This includes an individual's dependence on charity or handouts for survival, often due to extreme poverty or homelessness. It encompasses the act of begging in public spaces, such as on the streets or at doorsteps of businesses or residences, with the intention of receiving alms or other forms of assistance from others.
Mendicity can take various forms across different cultures and socioeconomic contexts. It may involve displaying signs or performing acts of apparent destitution in order to evoke empathy and elicit donations. Begging can be ingrained in traditional practices or religious beliefs in certain societies, while in others it may be a result of socio-economic disparities and lack of social support systems.
Although mendicity is often associated with negative connotations, it is important to recognize the underlying reasons that drive individuals to beg. While some may resort to mendicity out of choice or as a means of survival, others may engage in begging due to systemic issues such as unemployment, lack of education, or social exclusion.
Efforts to address mendicity often involve a combination of social, economic, and developmental interventions. These may include programs aimed at providing opportunities for education, skills training, or employment, as well as the provision of social welfare and support systems to alleviate the root causes of poverty, ultimately reducing the need for individuals to resort to mendicity.
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• Pert. to beggars; for assisting beggars, as mendicity society.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MENDICITY
Etymology of MENDICITY
The word "mendicity" comes from the Latin noun "mendicitas", which means "beggary" or "poverty". It is derived from the verb "mendicare", meaning "to beg". The Latin term traces its roots to the Proto-Indo-European root word "men", which denotes "to think" or "to have a desire". Over time, "menditus" (beggar) and "mendiculus" (begging) emerged as related forms in Latin. In English, "mendicity" refers to the act or condition of being a beggar, often associated with poverty and the act of begging for subsistence.
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