begging

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)
  2. verb call upon in supplication; entreat
  3. verb make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently

Etymology

From Middle English begging, beggyng, beggynge, equivalent to beg + -ing (gerund ending).

In classic literature

Synonyms

beggary, mendicancy

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