'indigent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'indigens,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'egere' meant 'to need.'

'indigens' transformed into the Old French word 'indigent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'indigent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'lacking or needing something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking the necessities of life due to poverty.'