Mendicity

In the year 1803, Mr. Matthew Martin, a gentleman distinguished for his active benevolence, having been for some time engaged, under the sanction of Government, in a laborious enquiry concerning the “State of Mendicity in the Metropolis,” was desired to make a Report upon that subject for the information of Government.

The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, in the Year 1805 2008

Mendicity on commission stooped in their high shoulders, shambled in their unsteady legs, buttoned and pinned and darned and dragged their clothes, frayed their button – holes, leaked out of their figures in dirty little ends of tape, and issued from their mouths in alcoholic breathings.

Little Dorrit 2007

Mendicity is much encouraged by the pilgrims, who are fond of displaying their charity on first touching holy ground at this place.

Travels in Arabia 2003

Thus the highest degree of sympathy is excited towards him; for everybody knows that no person would willingly resort to criticism (literary or dramatic) as a means of livelihood, if he could command a broom and a crossing to earn a penny by, or while there exists a Mendicity Society to get soup from.

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, November 27, 1841 Various

Mendicity societies in their report tell of cunning rascals who impose on the public by simulating "fits"; they tell of the "king of fits," the

London's Underworld Thomas Holmes 1882

Mendicity is strictly forbidden, but work must be provided for all.

The Reconciliation of Races and Religions Thomas Kelly Cheyne 1878

"Mendicity is forbidden in the Department of the Jura."

Holidays in Eastern France Matilda Betham-Edwards 1877

Mendicity is forbidden in the Jura as in the Department of the Doubs, and there is little real pinching poverty to be found among the rural population, though of course a laboriousness and economy unknown among our own.

Holidays in Eastern France Matilda Betham-Edwards 1877

Mendicity is all the more flourishing, as is apparent to every one.

The Roman Question Edmond About 1856

Mendicity, which lay sovereigns regard as an ugly sore in the State, to be healed, is tended and watered as a fair flower by a clerical government.

The Roman Question Edmond About 1856