A very poor person who has no money to pay for food, clothing, etc. The pauper wandered the streets, searching for any kind of work to earn a meal.
A person who is supported by public charity. In the 19th century, many paupers were housed in workhouses where they were given basic shelter and food.
In law, a person who is without the means to pay court fees and is therefore permitted to proceed in forma pauperis. The judge allowed the prisoner to file the appeal as a pauper, waiving all court costs.