Question
Here is the question : IN MEDIEVAL SCOTLAND, WHAT WAS A “GABERLUNZIE”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- A formerly licensed beggar
- A plague-ridden scoundrel
- A clever thief
- An untrustworthy barber
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
In 1425, the Scottish Parliament, in response to rising poverty levels, mandated that all beggars wear a government-issued badge of identification known as a “beggar’s badge.” A ‘gaberlunzie,’ which may relate to the coin purse or pocketbook carried by the penniless Scot, was the name given to a homeless beggar in Scotland who has lost his or her badge.
In medieval Scotland, a “Gaberlunzie” was a term used to describe a formerly licensed beggar. These individuals were authorized by the Scottish government to beg for alms within a specific region, and they were required to wear a distinctive badge or uniform to indicate their status as licensed beggars. While the practice of licensing beggars was intended to regulate and control begging, it also had unintended consequences that had a significant impact on Scottish society.
The origins of the term “Gaberlunzie” are unclear, but it is believed to be derived from the old Scots word “gaberlunyie,” which means “a wallet or bag.” This reflects the fact that licensed beggars were often seen carrying a bag or pouch in which they would collect alms from the public. The practice of licensing beggars was first introduced in Scotland in the 15th century, and it was initially intended to regulate and control begging, which was seen as a growing problem in Scottish society.
Licensed beggars were required to wear a distinctive badge or uniform that identified them as authorized beggars. The badge or uniform varied depending on the region, but it often included a symbol or emblem that was associated with the local government or ruling class. The badge or uniform also served as a form of identification, which allowed beggars to move freely between different regions without being mistaken for unlicensed beggars or vagrants.
While the practice of licensing beggars was intended to regulate and control begging, it also had unintended consequences. Licensed beggars were often stigmatized and marginalized by society, and they were seen as a burden on the public. In many cases, licensed beggars were forced to rely on the charity of others to survive, and they were often subjected to abuse and mistreatment by the public.
licensed beggars played an important role in Scottish society. They provided a vital source of information and intelligence to the local government, and they often acted as intermediaries between the ruling class and the common people. Licensed beggars were also known for their wit and humor, and they were often celebrated in Scottish literature and folk culture.
a “Gaberlunzie” was a formerly licensed beggar in medieval Scotland. While the practice of licensing beggars was intended to regulate and control begging, it also had unintended consequences that had a significant impact on Scottish society. Despite the challenges faced by licensed beggars, they played an important role in Scottish society, providing a vital source of information and intelligence to the local government, and acting as intermediaries between the ruling class and the common people.