That the poor existed among the Hebrews we have abundant evidence (Exodus 23:11; Deuteronomy 15:11), but there is no mention of beggars properly so called in the Old Testament. The poor were provided for by the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 12:12; 14:29). It is predicted of the seed of the wicked that they shall be beggars (Psalm 37:25; 109:10).

In the New Testament we find not seldom mention made of beggars (Mark 10:46; Luke 16:20, 21; Acts 3:2), yet there is no mention of such a class as vagrant beggars, so numerous in the East. "Beggarly," in Galatians 4:9, means worthless.

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) A title of honor in Turkey and in some other parts of the East.

2. (v. t.) To ask earnestly for; to entreat or supplicate for; to beseech.

3. (v. t.) To ask for as a charity, esp. to ask for habitually or from house to house.

4. (v. t.) To make petition to; to entreat; as, to beg a person to grant a favor.

5. (v. t.) To take for granted; to assume without proof.

6. (v. t.) To ask to be appointed guardian for, or to ask to have a guardian appointed for.

7. (v. i.) To ask alms or charity, especially to ask habitually by the wayside or from house to house; to live by asking alms.