Poor — Defs

01 a. Destitute of property; wanting in material riches or goods; needy; indigent.

1.
Destitute of property; wanting in material riches or goods; needy; indigent.
2.
So completely destitute of property as to be entitled to maintenance from the public.(Law)
3.
Destitute of such qualities as are desirable, or might naturally be expected
“That I have wronged no man will be a poor plea or apology at the last day.” — Calamy.
4.
Worthy of pity or sympathy; -- used also sometimes as a term of endearment, or as an expression of modesty, and sometimes as a word of contempt.
“And for mine own poor part, Look you, I'll go pray.” — Shak.

“Poor, little, pretty, fluttering thing.” — Prior.
5.
Free from self-assertion; not proud or arrogant; meek.

Phrases & compounds

Poor law — a law providing for, or regulating, the relief or support of the poor.

Poor man's treacle — garlic; -- so called because it was thought to be an antidote to animal poison.

Poor man's weatherglass — the red-flowered pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), which opens its blossoms only in fair weather.

Poor rate — an assessment or tax, as in an English parish, for the relief or support of the poor.

Poor soldier — the friar bird.

The poor — those who are destitute of property; the indigent; the needy. In a legal sense, those who depend on charity or maintenance by the public.

02 n. A small European codfish (Gadus minutus); -- called also power cod.

1.
A small European codfish (Gadus minutus); -- called also power cod.(Zool.) Also: power cod