mendicancy

noun

men·di·can·cy ˈmen-di-kən(t)-sē

1

: the condition of being a beggar

2

: the practice of begging

Word History

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of mendicancy was in 1711

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Browse Nearby Words

mend fences

mendicancy

mendicant

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Mendicancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mendicancy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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