mendicancy

[ men-di-kuh n-see ]

/ ˈmɛn dɪ kən si /

the practice of begging, as for alms.

the state or condition of being a beggar.

Origin of mendicancy

First recorded in 1780–90; mendic(ant) + -ancy

non·men·di·can·cy, noun

Mendicancy is a profession, and it is not exercised only by extending the hand and whining for alms.

Old and New Paris, v. 2 |Henry Sutherland Edwards
Some of them are trained professional beggars, versed in every trick and dodge of the trade of mendicancy.

The Alien Invasion |William Henry Wilkins
How could disorderly living of this sort lead to anything but mendicancy?

The Surprises of Life |Georges Clemenceau
It was easy, however, to decree the extinction of mendicancy.

Old and New Paris, v. 2 |Henry Sutherland Edwards

Mendicancy, preaching, hearing confessions, and teaching publicly were the capital sins that consigned the Friars to reprobation.

Saint Bonaventure |Rev. Fr. Laurence Costelloe, O.F.M.