Dictionary

couple-beggar en · NOUN

Etymology

Originally a verb-noun compound, "one who couples beggars"; later extended to cases where the spouses were not destitute.

Meanings

1. (historical) One who, for a fee, performs an unauthorised wedding service, especially for poor people (originally beggars).
   • 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. 1994, Dympna McLoughlin, “Women and sexuality in nineteenth century Ireland”, in The Irish Journal of Psychology, volume 15, pages 266–275:
   • 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 ! 1836, Mrs S.C. Hall, Harry O'Reardon, Or, Illustrations of Irish Pride, page 13:

Forms

Synonyms

buckle-beggar