pauperism

The quality or state of being a pauper.

A pauper condition; the condition of those who are destitute of the means of support and are a charge upon the community; dependence on the poor-rates or some similar fund for support, or the poverty which makes such dependence necessary.

Paupers collectively.

Synonyms Indigence, Destitution, etc. (see poverty), mendicancy. beggary.

The state of being a pauper; the state of indigent persons requiring support from the community.