vagrancy
UK: ˈveɪɡrənsi | US: ˈveɪɡrənsi
n. the state or condition of being a vagrant; homelessness or wandering without a settled home or livelihood.
n. (law) the offense of wandering without visible means of support.
vagrancy = vagr<wander> + ancy<noun suffix>
- vagr (from Latin vagari, meaning "to wander")
- ancy (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition, from Latin -antia)
Etymology Origin:
The word "vagrancy" traces back to the Latin vagari ("to wander"), reflecting the root concept of movement without fixed direction. The suffix -ancy (via Old French -ance) was added to nominalize the state of wandering, evolving into its modern legal and social connotations of homelessness or idle roaming. The term historically carried moral judgment, associating physical displacement with societal transgression.
The city introduced programs to reduce vagrancy by providing shelters and job training.
In the 19th century, vagrancy laws were often used to criminalize poverty.
His life of vagrancy began after losing his family and home.
The novel depicts the protagonist’s vagrancy as a search for meaning.
Critics argue that arresting people for vagrancy ignores systemic economic issues.