vagrancy etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: "vagari" (to wander)
  • French: "vagabond" (a wanderer)

Meaning

Vagrancy refers to the state of living in a homeless and often itinerant condition, without a fixed abode or regular means of support.

Origin

The concept of vagrancy has a long history, dating back to ancient times. In many societies, laws and regulations have been enacted to control and punish vagrants, who were often seen as a threat to public order and morality.

In the Middle Ages, vagrancy was often associated with beggars and criminals. The poor laws of England in the 14th and 15th centuries attempted to regulate the activities of vagrants, providing them with workhouses or sending them to prison.

During the Industrial Revolution, vagrancy became more common as people were displaced from their rural homes and sought work in cities. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many cities in Europe and North America enacted anti-vagrancy laws, criminalizing sleeping on the streets or begging.

Today, vagrancy is still a crime in many jurisdictions, although the definition and punishment vary widely. Some jurisdictions focus on aggressive begging or trespassing, while others target individuals who are simply homeless and living in public spaces.

vagrancy relate terms

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