alms

American  

[ahmz] / ɑmz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. money, food, or other donations given to people in need; anything given as charity.

   She showed her generosity by giving alms regularly.

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alms British  

/ ɑːmz /

plural noun

1. charitable donations of money or goods to the poor or needy

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Etymology

Origin of alms

First recorded before 1000; Middle English almes, almesse, Old English ælmesse (compare Old Saxon alamōsna, Old High German alamuosa, Dutch aalmoes; Old Spanish almosna ), ultimately derived from Late Latin eleēmosyna, from Greek eleēmosýnē “compassion, alms,” derivative of éleos “pity”; eleemosynary

Example Sentences

A surprise cameo from Lizzo paid alms to their long friendship, and a bawdy slice of her verse from Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” proved she can own even a nemesis’ material with her charisma.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Noor, who is now distributing alms and charity in his hometown along with his wife, is just grateful to have escaped the situation with his life.

From BBC

The teashop occupies a medieval building that was, for centuries, an alms house.

From BBC

In Cambodia, novice monks wearing saffron robes joined elders seeking alms.

From Seattle Times

The royal cohort also carried with them gold-lined chests filled with silver and gold pieces to distribute as alms, cash worth thousands of rupees and 12,000 "dresses of honour".

From BBC