Poorhouse (noun)

1. A government-supported institution for the housing and care of the poor and destitute.
2. A place where poor people live and are given support.

Origin:

The word 'poorhouse' originates from the late 16th century from 'poor' + 'house'. it was used to refer to a place where poor people lived and worked.

Examples:

1. In the 19th century, the poorhouses were often places of great hardship and neglect.
2. Many people in the community donated money and food to the poorhouse to help those in need.
3. The conditions in the poorhouse were often squalid and inhumane.
4. The poorhouse served as a last resort for those who had nowhere else to turn.
5. The poorhouse system was eventually replaced by more modern forms of social welfare support.