come upon the town

Definitions

1. 1

   To become a prostitute

   To become a prostitute; to turn to prostitution.

   • To be sure, it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded from the world, in some distant farm house.
2. 2

   To receive public charity

   To receive public charity; to have one's living supported by public funding.

   • While Brimfield people have never been very rich, they have been prudent and thrifty, and there have been very few so poor as to come upon the town for support.
   • The daughter had children and they all three came upon the town for support, for they would not work.
3. 3

   To make one's debut in town society

   To make one's debut in town society; to become (known as) a man or woman about town.

The neighborhood