mendicant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "mendicant crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "mendicant crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MONK: A member of a religious order, often living under vows of poverty, similar to a mendicant.
5 Letters
FRIAR: A member of certain religious orders, especially the four great mendicant orders (Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, Carmelites).
6 Letters
BEGGAR: A person, typically a homeless one, who lives by asking for money or food, often associated with mendicancy.
HERMIT: A person living in solitude as a religious discipline, often with a simple, mendicant-like lifestyle.
More About "mendicant crossword clue"
The term "mendicant" in crosswords usually points to someone who practices begging or relies on charity for sustenance. Historically, this often refers to members of certain religious orders who take a vow of poverty and do not own property, living instead on alms. The most famous examples are the mendicant orders of the Catholic Church, like the Franciscans and Dominicans, who emerged in the 13th century.
While the word literally means 'begging,' its crossword usage often extends to broader concepts of asceticism, simplicity, or a life detached from material possessions. This makes answers like MONK, FRIAR, BEGGAR, or even HERMIT valid depending on the context and letter count. Understanding the nuances of these related terms can be key to unlocking trickier clues.
Crossword setters love words with rich historical or religious connotations, and "mendicant" fits perfectly. It allows for multiple plausible answers, forcing solvers to consider synonyms and the precise length required, making it a classic and sometimes challenging clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue: Break down the clue "mendicant crossword clue." What part of speech is it? Does it hint at a religious figure, or simply someone who begs?
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is crucial. For "mendicant," knowing if you need a 4-letter word like MONK or a 6-letter word like BEGGAR immediately narrows down your options.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The letters you already have from crossing words are your best friends. They will confirm or rule out potential answers for "mendicant."
- Consider Synonyms and Related Terms: Think broadly about the meaning of "mendicant." Words like 'beggar,' 'friar,' 'monk,' 'ascetic,' or 'alms-seeker' are all in the same thematic family.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mendicant' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'mendicant' refers to a person who lives by begging, often specifically a member of a religious order who has taken a vow of poverty and relies on charitable donations. Common answers include FRIAR, MONK, BEGGAR, or ASCETIC.
Are all monks or friars considered mendicants?
While many mendicant orders historically included friars (like Franciscans and Dominicans) who begged for their sustenance, not all monks or friars are strictly mendicants. Some monastic orders are cloistered and self-sufficient. However, in crosswords, the terms are often used interchangeably due to their shared association with religious life and simplicity.
How can I identify a 'mendicant' answer in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters. Think of words associated with poverty, religious orders, or begging. Common answers like MONK (4 letters), FRIAR (5 letters), or BEGGAR (6 letters) are strong candidates. Consider synonyms for 'beggar' or types of religious ascetics.