Definition of 'alms'

Word Frequency

alms

(ɑːmz )

plural noun

Alms are gifts of money, clothes, or food to poor people.

[old-fashioned]

Alms were distributed to those in need.

More Synonyms of alms

Word Frequency

alms in British

(ɑːmz )

plural noun

charitable donations of money or goods to poor or needy people

Word origin of 'alms'

Old English ælmysse, from Late Latin eleēmosyna, from Greek eleēmosunē pity; see eleemosynary

Word Frequency

alms in American

(ɑmz ; ämz)

nounWord forms: plural alms

money, food, clothes, etc. given to poor people

2. Obsolete

a deed of mercy

Derived forms

almsgiver (ˈalmsˌgiver)

noun

almsgiving (ˈalmsˌgiving)

noun

Word origin of 'alms'

ME almesse < OE ælmesse < LL(Ec) eleemosyna < Gr eleēmosynē, pity, mercy (in LXX & N.T., charity, alms) < eleēmōn, merciful < eleos, mercy, orig., woe, prob. < IE echoic base *el- > Norw dial. jalm, noise

Example sentences containing 'alms'

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One by one they put their collection plates on the alms dish. Secombe, Fred GOODBYE CURATE (1993)I am afraid there has been some pilfering from the alms dish at St Padarn's. Secombe, Fred GOODBYE CURATE (1993)When I returned to the vestry some time later, the note had vanished from the alms dish. Secombe, Fred GOODBYE CURATE (1993)

Since these friars lived on alms, they gravitated to the towns, where citizens were prosperous enough to support them. Newbery, Linda RIDDLE ME THIS (1993)