Alms n. sing. & pl. Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing; a gift of charity.
A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people. --Acts x. 2.
Alms are but the vehicles of prayer. --Dryden.
Tenure by free alms. See Frankalmoign.
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.
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Frank·al·moigne n. Eng. Law A tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands given to them and their successors forever, usually on condition of praying for the soul of the donor and his heirs; -- called also tenure by free alms.
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