Pauper

A Latin adjective, originally signifying poor; but used as a noun, as the technical designation of a person so poor that he must be supported at public expense; also, of a suitor, who, on account of poverty, is allowed to sue or defend without being chargeable with costs. In a general sense, all poor persons may be said to be paupers, but not as the word is used in the -statutes. A pauper is defined to be a poor person, particularly one so indigent as to depend upon the parish or town for support.

Lee County v. Lackie, 30 Ark. 764.

In the technical sense, " pauper " does not apply to a poor person smitten with a contagious disease, who, on account of his sickness, receives aid from the county, tliough under a pauper act.

La Salle County V. Reynolds, 49 111. 186.

A pauper is one unable to support himself or herself, and having no one legally liable for his or her support. As a grandfather or grandmother, if of sufficient ability, is liable for the support of a grandchild, one having such a grand-parent, even if the father is living and unable, is not a pauper in legal contemplation, and so cannot be bound out as such by the guardians of the poor.

Whiting's Case, 3 Pittsb. 129.

Pauper does not necessarily imply a person who has actually received support from the town. It may be used indiscriminately to designate poor and indigent persons standing in need of relief, and poor persons likely to become chargeable, as well as such poor persons as have actually received support from the town.

Walbridge v. Walbridge, 46 Vt. 617.