As used in law, this term denotes those who are so destitute of property or of the means of support, either from their own labor or the care of relatives, as to be a public charge, that is, dependent either on the charity of the general public or on maintenance at the expense of the public. The term is synonymous with “Indigent persons” and “paupers.” See State v. Osawkee Tp., 14 Kan. 421, 19 Am. Rep. 99; In re Hoffen’s Estate, 70 Wis. 522. 36 N. W. 407; Heuser v. Harris, 42 111. 430; Juneau County v. Wood County. :09 Wis. 330, 85 N. W. 3S7; Sayres v. Springfield, 8 N. J. Law, 109.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
