pauper

noun

1. a person without any means of support, especially a destitute person who depends on aid from public welfare funds or charity.
2. a very poor person.

noun

1. a person who is extremely poor
2. (formerly) a destitute person supported by public charity

n.1510s, “person destitute of property or means of livelihood,” from Latin pauper “poor, not wealthy, of small means” (see poor (adj.)). Originally in English a legal word, from Latin phrase in forma pauperis (late 15c.) “in the character of a poor person,” thus allowed to sue in court without legal fees.