What does the word "mendicant" mean? Why would groups like the Franciscans call themselves "mendicant?"

People who live off begging can be called Mendicants. Mendicant also implies extreme poverty.

mendicant can also refer to a man belonging to a religious order, such as the Franciscan Friars - who do not own personal property but live together in a monastery and survive off alms donated by others. As an adjective, mendicant describes someone who lives such an existence.

Mendicant is basically someone who is a beggar.