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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