Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DES'TI-TUTE, a. [L. destitutus, destituo; de and statuo, to set. Literally, set from or away.]

1. Not having or possessing; wanting; as, destitute of virtue, or of piety; destitute of food and clothing. It differs from deprived, as it does not necessarily imply previous possession.
2. Needy; abject; comfortless; friendless. He will regard the prayer of the destitute. – Ps. cii.