Alms

4 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Alms \Alms\ ([add]mz), n. sing. & pl. [OE. almes, almesse, AS.
     [ae]lmysse, fr. L. eleemosyna, Gr. 'elehmosy`nh mercy,
     charity, alms, fr. 'eleei^n to pity. Cf. {Almonry},
     {Eleemosynary}.]
     Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money,
     food, or clothing; a gift of charity.


     [1913 Webster]
  
           A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
                                                    --Acts x. 2.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Alms are but the vehicles of prayer.     --Dryden.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     {Tenure by free alms}. See {Frankalmoign}. --Blackstone.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: This word alms is singular in its form (almesse), and
           is sometimes so used; as, "asked an alms." --Acts iii.
           3. "Received an alms." --Shak. It is now, however,
           commonly a collective or plural noun. It is much used
           in composition, as almsgiver, almsgiving, alms bag,
           alms chest, etc.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  alms
       n : voluntary contributions to aid the poor [syn: {alms-giving},
            {almsgiving}]

From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:

  Alms
     Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The
     Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a
     spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution
     among the people. Such passages as these, Ps. 41:1; 112:9; Prov.
     14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, would also
     naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
     
       In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts
     3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings
     (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be
     actuated in this duty is set forth in 1 John 3:17. A regard to
     the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty
     (Luke 3:11; 6:30; Matt. 6:1; Acts 9:36; 10:2, 4), a duty which
     was not neglected by the early Christians (Luke 14:13; Acts
     20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). They cared not
     only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the
     necessities of those at a distance (Acts 11:29; 24:17; 2 Cor.
     9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in
     this (John 13:29).
     
       In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element
     which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge
     this Christian duty.
     

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  ALMS. In its most extensive sense, this comprehends every species of relief
  bestowed upon the poor, and, therefore, including all charities. In a more,
  limited sense, it signifies what is given by public authority for the relief
  of the poor. Shelford on Mortmain, 802, note (x); 1 Dougl. Election Cas.
  370; 2 Id. 107; Heywood on Elections, 263.