come upon the town

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