Meaning of the word mendicant in English

What does mendicant mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mendicant

US /ˈmen.dɪ.kənt/
UK /ˈmen.dɪ.kənt/

Noun

a person who lives by begging

Example:
The old mendicant sat by the roadside, asking for alms.
Many religious orders historically included mendicants who relied on charity.

Adjective

practicing beggary; living by begging

Example:
The mendicant friars traveled from town to town, relying on the generosity of strangers.
His mendicant lifestyle was a choice, not a necessity.