beggarly

English

Etymology

From beggar +‎ -ly; adverb via Middle English beggarly, beggerly.

Adjective

beggarly (comparative beggarlier, superlative beggarliest)

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

   beggarly fellow

2. Fit for a beggar; occasioned by begging.

   beggarly rags

   • 1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living. […], 2nd edition, London: […] Francis Ashe […], →OCLC:

     Beggarly sins, that is, those sins which idleness and beggary usually betray men to; such as lying, flattery, stealing, and dissimulation.

3. (by extension) inadequate or meagre.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:impoverished

Derived terms

• beggarliness

Adverb

beggarly (comparative more beggarly, superlative most beggarly)

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

Anagrams

• Baggerly