Supplicant
/ˈsʌp.lɪ.kənt/noun
A person who humbly prays or begs for something, often in a religious context.
Did you know?In medieval times, supplicants would often be seen in churches, believing their petitions could sway divine favor — a practice steeped in both desperation and hope.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sweḱ-
“to seek or ask for (something)”
Latin
Latin
supplicare
“to plead humbly or worshipfully”
Old French
Old French
supplicant
“one who prays or begs”
14th Century
Middle English
supplicant
“a person who humbly requests or begs for something”
Modern English
English
supplicant
“a term for someone making a humble request, often in a spiritual context.”
Explore more surprising origins