pauperism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of extreme poverty or destitution
    need; pauperization; penury; indigence.
    • their indigence appalled him
    • a general state of need exists among the homeless

WordNet

Pau"per*ism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. paupérisme.
Definitions
  1. The state of being a pauper; the state of indigent persons requiring support from the community. Whatly. Syn. -- Poverty; indigence; penury; want; need; destitution. See Poverty.

Webster 1913