The substitution of can't for must not is a recent development. Cf. mid 15th-cent. Fr. qui empruncte ne peult choisir, he who borrows cannot choose.
Folke say alwaie, beggers shulde be no choosers.
[1546 J. Heywood Dialogue of Proverbs i. x. D1]
My Lords, says I, Beggars must not be Chusers; but some Place about a thousand a Year‥might do pretty weel.
[1728 Vanbrugh Journey to London iii. i.]
Crawl out o' that bed! I'spose you do feel a little bad, but ‘beggars can't be choosers!’
[1888 N. J. Clodfelter Snatched from Poor House iv.]
‘I suppose‥you would marry any man with a good character and a fine estate.’‥‘Beggars can't be choosers, you mean!’
[1939 J. Shearing Blanche Fury 72]
It would ruin the dress, no doubt about that. But beggars couldn't be choosers. She drew a breath and then jumped, tucking and rolling as she came out of the train.
[2000 J. Altman Gathering of Spies ix. 150]
Related to: necessity; poverty
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.




