The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Mendicant \Men"di*cant\, a. [L. mendicans, -antis, p. pr. of
   mendicare to beg, fr. mendicus beggar, indigent.]
   Practicing beggary; begging; living on alms; as, mendicant
   friars.
   [1913 Webster]

   Mendicant orders (R. C. Ch.), certain monastic orders which
      are forbidden to acquire landed property and are required
      to be supported by alms, esp. the Franciscans, the
      Dominicans, the Carmelites, and the Augustinians.
      [1913 Webster]