Meaning of couple-beggar | Babel Free

Definitions

One who, for a fee, performs an unauthorised wedding service, especially for poor people (originally beggars).

historical

Examples

“Yet you'd have no license, but be married by beggarly bans ! [...] Sure it's wonderful you don't seek out a couple-beggar, and get married like the heathens in the time of Nebecudnazar !”

“these destitute paupers believed themselves to be married, since they had paid a small sum of money to a 'couple beggar' and in return he performed a rudimentary ritual over them.”

CEFR level