Search for crossword answers and clues
A state of extreme poverty or destitution
Answer for the clue "A state of extreme poverty or destitution ", 9 letters:
indigence
Word definitions for indigence in dictionaries
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Indigence \In"di*gence\, n. [L. indigentia: cf. F. indigence. See Indigent .] The condition of being indigent; lack of estate, or means of comfortable subsistence; penury; poverty; as, helpless indigence. --Cowper. Syn: Poverty; penury; destitution; want; ...
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. extreme poverty or destitution
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
late 14c., from Old French indigence "indigence, need, privation" (13c.), from Latin indigentia "need, want; insatiable desire," from indigentem (nominative indigens ), present participle of indigere "to need," from indu "in, within" + egere "be in need, ...
WordNet
Word definitions in WordNet
n. a state of extreme poverty or destitution; "their indigence appalled him"; "a general state of need exists among the homeless" [syn: need , penury , beggary , pauperism , pauperization ]
Usage examples of indigence.
Maugree thyn heed thou most for indigence Or stele, or begge, or borwe thy despence!
Roussel combatted the suggestion that the family of Castaing were in a state of indigence.
So that their thoughts were now employed in concerting a scheme for his future subsistence, that he might not be exposed by indigence to a relapse in point of morals.
Their popular election endeared them to the Romans: the public and private indigence was relieved by their ample revenue.