The terms denote individuals who wander from place to place without a settled home or regular employment. Historically, and often legally, these individuals were considered suspicious and subject to various forms of control or punishment. An example would be a person found sleeping in public with no visible means of support, potentially leading to arrest and being labeled under these terms.
Understanding these definitions is crucial for historical analysis, particularly when examining social control mechanisms and attitudes towards poverty and mobility. Recognizing how societies have defined and treated individuals deemed “undesirable” sheds light on prevailing social norms, economic anxieties, and power structures. The terminology and associated legal frameworks offer valuable insights into the past.
