ptocho-, ptoch-

Government by beggars, the rule of paupers: Ptochocracy consists of a governing body of the poor; loosely, the poor as a class.

Someone who supports or believes in the rule of the poor: There are some people, including Brenda and Lesley, who believe that ptochocrats should have more control of government than the rich or elitists.

The creation or production of beggars; pauperization (extreme destitution or homelessness with few or no material possessions): Ptochogonies are coming into existence on a global scale because of the poor economies of so many nations, including that of the United States.

Someone who is a pauper or who is extremely poor and begs for money: More and more ptochoists are appearing on the streets of cities around the world; even in the so-called advanced economic countries.

While walking in San Francisco one day, Tom and Karla saw two sleeping bags and other items that ptochoists had stored under an overpass support which would no doubt be picked up later in the evening when they would be ready to go to sleep.

There are some cities that enable ptochoists to live on their streets by providing them with three free meals each day and by giving them free clothing and free blankets. There are also "clean-up centers", where they can wash their clothes and take showers, and even places where they can spend the night.

Those who specialize in the study of people who are extremely poor: Ptochologists are finding an increase in the number of people who have been affected by poverty and are existing in shelters (temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons) or on the streets with few or no possessions.

The scientific study of pauperism (extremely poor conditions), unemployment, etc.: As a result of poor economic conditions, there are some people who have become specialists in ptochology in order to determine the degree to which so many people have become victims of poverty.

Theodore Prodromus, (died c. 1166), was a Byzantine writer, well known for his prose and poetry, some of which was in the vernacular.

Ptochoprodromus wrote many pieces for a widespread circle of patrons at the imperial court. Some of his creations that have emerged present the figure of an author in reduced circumstances, with a marked propensity for begging, and who was in close touch with the ruling court circles during the reigns of John II (1118–43) and Manuel I (1143–80).

Prodromus' writings, which were often produced on the occasion of some public event, provide historians with information about many aspects of contemporary history; both at home and abroad, including details about the genealogy of individual personalities, and on everyday social and economic life.

There was a strongly satirical element in his works, which ranged from epigrams and dialogues to letters and occasional pieces in both prose and verse. He had a strong sense of humor, and his comments are said to be shrewd and pithy.