almoner

American  

[al-muh-ner, ah-muh-] / ˈæl mə nər, ˈɑ mə- /

noun

1. a person whose function or duty is the distribution of alms on behalf of an institution, a royal personage, a monastery, etc.

2. British.

   1. a hospital official who determines the amount due for a patient's treatment.

   2. a social worker in a hospital.

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almoner British  

/ ˈɑːmənə /

noun

1. obsolete a trained hospital social worker responsible for the welfare of patients

2. (formerly) a person who distributes alms or charity on behalf of a household or institution

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Other Word Forms

• subalmoner
  noun

Etymology

Origin of almoner

1250–1300; Middle English almoiner, aumoner (with insertion of l under influence of alms ) < Old French aumon ( i ) er ≪ Late Latin eleēmosynārius eleemosynary

Example Sentences

But the letters went to Rome, and in April 2020, the pope sent money and food to Blessed Virgin through Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, the official dispenser of Francis’s philanthropy.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022

They were delivered in his name by Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is known as "the pope's almoner" or one who distributes alms to the poor.

From Reuters • Sep. 7, 2021

They reached out to the pope through Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, who is responsible for charitable work done in the name of pope.

From Fox News • May 1, 2020

Though the office of the papal almoner dates to the 12th century, Papal Blessings on parchment began to be issued only about 100 years ago under Pope Leo XIII.

From New York Times • Oct. 1, 2014

Returning to England, he engaged practically in the work of poor relief as an almoner of a charitable society.

From From the Easy Chair, series 3 by Curtis, George William