Definition of mendicant

The word "mendicant" is derived from the Latin word "mendicare," meaning "to beg." The term "mendicant" refers to a person who begs, especially a religious figure who begs for alms or donations as part of their religious vows. The mendicant order was established in the Middle Ages during the Ages of Faith. These orders followed a distinct rule of life, which emphasized poverty, humility, and obedience to a higher authority, such as a bishop or pope. The most prominent of these orders were the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Carmelites. The mendicant orders were different from the Benedictine and Cistercian orders, which were the so-called mendicant reforms. These orders had significant land holdings and were self-sufficient, producing their food and goods. The mendicant orders, on the other hand, were devoted to traveling and preaching and were dependent on the generosity of others for their survival. The mendicant orders played a prominent role in medieval society, as they provided religious education and social welfare services. They also served as a check on the power of secular rulers, who saw them as a counterweight to the influence of the rich and powerful. Today, the term "mendicant" has become less common, and it is mostly used in reference to religious orders of the past. However, its origins serve as a reminder of the crucial role these orders played in shaping the religious and social landscape of medieval Europe.