Dorcas society

American  

noun

1. a society of women of a church whose work it is to provide clothing for people in need.

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Dorcas society British  

noun

1. a Christian charitable society for women with the aim of providing clothes for the poor

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Etymology

Origin of Dorcas society

First recorded in 1825–35; named after Dorcas

Example Sentences

"I was in doubts," he said, "as to whether I was in one of Moody and Sankey's meetings or whether some strange fate had thrown me into the midst of a Dorcas society."

From The Man Who Rose Again by Hocking, Joseph

The Dorcas society is entirely under my wife's management as a rule, and except for Miss Brett, who, as I say, is very active, I scarcely know any members of it.

From The Club of Queer Trades by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)

Oh yes: perhaps we can form ourselves into a Dorcas society.

From Christmas with Grandma Elsie by Finley, Martha

But at length that subject was dropped and the one of the proposed Dorcas society taken up.

From Christmas with Grandma Elsie by Finley, Martha

She established a Dorcas society at Baslehurst, of which she became permanent president, and spent her money in carrying on this institution in the manner most pleasing to herself.

From Rachel Ray by Trollope, Anthony