BEGGARLY

beggarly, mean

(adjective) (used of sums of money) so small in amount as to deserve contempt

beggarly, mean

(adjective) marked by poverty befitting a beggar; “a beggarly existence in the slums”; “a mean hut”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

beggarly (comparative beggarlier, superlative beggarliest)

In the manner of a beggar; poverty-stricken; mean; poor; contemptible.

Fit for a beggar; occasioned by begging.

(by extension) inadequate or meagre.

Synonyms

• See also impoverished

Adverb

beggarly (comparative more beggarly, superlative most beggarly)

In an indigent, mean, or despicable manner; in the manner of a beggar.

Source: Wiktionary


Beg"gar*ly, a.

1. In the condition of, or like, a beggar; suitable for a beggar; extremely indigent; poverty-stricken; mean; poor; contemptible. "A bankrupt, beggarly fellow." South. "A beggarly fellowship." Swift. "Beggarly elements." Gal. iv. 9.

2. Produced or occasioned by beggary. [Obs.] Beggarly sins, that is, those sins which idleness and beggary usually betray men to; such as lying, flattery, stealing, and dissimulation. Jer. Taylor.

Beg"gar*ly, adv.

Definition: In an indigent, mean, or despicable manner; in the manner of a beggar.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


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Coffee Trivia

In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

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