poor box

noun

1. a box, especially in a church, into which contributions for people in need can be dropped.

poor box

noun

1. a box, esp one in a church, used for the collection of alms or money for the poor

Word History and Origins

Origin of poor box¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

Those criticisms, though, were largely unrelated to the movie’s poor box office performance in mainland China, where the government censors the Internet and the news is dominated by state-run media.

From Fortune

Despite poor box office receipts, it later became a cult favorite.

From The Daily Beast

Two of the ruffians then proceeded to the church, broke open the poor-box, and took about 30 francs.

From Project Gutenberg

Tells them “not to do it again,” and dismisses them with aid from the Poor Box and his blessing.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems a less intolerable crime in oneself to rob the poor-box than in one's neighbour to have an unwashed neck.

From Project Gutenberg

The auditors were paid a shilling each for their services each time the poor-box was opened.

From Project Gutenberg

I was all ready to go, and I had got the coachman, who is an Englishman, to bring down my poor box and to fetch me a cab.

From Project Gutenberg