Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woman who begs, especially as a means of livelihood: A "beggarwoman" is a female person who asks for money, food, or other charitable gifts, typically in a public place.

Usage

• The word "beggarwoman" is used to specify the gender of the beggar. It is a straightforward compound noun where "beggar" is modified by "woman."
• It is typically used in a literal, descriptive sense.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old beggarwoman sat by the cathedral steps, holding out a cup.
  • In the novel, the kind shopkeeper often gave bread to the local beggarwoman.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in historical or literary contexts to evoke a specific image of poverty and societal position.
• It may sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a woman in a state of extreme need or dependence, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Beggar (n): A person, regardless of gender, who lives by asking for gifts. This is the root word.
• Beg (v): To ask for something, typically money or food, as charity.
• Beggary (n): The state or condition of being a beggar; extreme poverty.

Synonyms

• Mendicant (n, formal): A beggar.
• Panhandler (n, chiefly US): A person who begs in the street.
• Vagrant (n): A person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and may beg.

Antonyms

• Benefactor (n): A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
• Donor (n): A person who donates something.

Notes

• The word "beggarwoman" is a specific term. In modern, non-gendered language, the neutral term "beggar" is often preferred unless specifying gender is relevant to the context.
• The term can carry neutral, descriptive, or sometimes pejorative connotations depending on the tone and context in which it is used.

Noun

1. a woman who is a beggar