How The Word 'Beggar' Came Into Being.

A 12th century Flemish priest Lambert le Bègue, (d c1187), was deeply perturbed by the pitiful sight of the many destitute wives and children of men who had lost their lives during the Second Crusade. He made it his special mission to assist such homeless widows and orphans. To house them, he established refuges all over the area. It did not take long for them to be called after the priest who had done so much for them, to be referred to as a Bèghard. That is how the word “beggar” came into the world.