Meaning of come upon the town | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To become a prostitute; to turn to prostitution.
   UK, euphemistic, obsolete
2. To receive public charity; to have one's living supported by public funding.
   US
3. To make one's debut in town society; to become (known as) a man or woman about town.
   US

Examples

“To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded from the world, in some distant farm house.”

“While Brimfield people have never been very rich, they have been prudent and thrifty, and there have been very few so poor as to come upon the town for support.”

“The daughter had children and they all three came upon the town for support, for they would not work.”

CEFR level