Beggaries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Describing the state or practices associated with begging for alms or charity from others
2. Referring to actions or behaviors that seek financial or material assistance from the community
3. Characterizing various forms of poverty or dependency that necessitate solicitation for support from passersby

Etymology: "Beggaries" is the plural of "beggary", and the plural form matters here: it refers to repeated acts or instances of begging rather than the general condition. The base word, "beggar", is the older of the two, and "beggary" was formed by adding the suffix "-y" to it, a common English pattern for turning a person or role into the state, condition, or practice associated with that role. So a "beggary" is the condition of being a beggar, and its plural pictures that condition broken into separate pleas.

Synonyms: poverty, destitution

Antonyms: wealth, affluence