almshouse

American  

[ahmz-hous] / ˈɑmzˌhaʊs /

noun

Chiefly British.

plural

almshouses

1. a house endowed by private charity for the reception and support of the aged or infirm poor.

2. (formerly) a poorhouse.

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almshouse British  

/ ˈɑːmzˌhaʊs /

noun

1. history a privately supported house offering accommodation to the aged or needy

2. another name for poorhouse

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Etymology

Origin of almshouse

First recorded in 1350–1400, almshouse is from Middle English almes hous. See alms, house

Example Sentences

The triptych has survived through religious purges and political upheaval for more than 500 years in the Almshouse chapel in Sherborne, Dorset.

From BBC

St Johns' Almshouse had the piece valued during renovation work and the charity decided to sell the altarpiece to fund new accommodation for people in need.

From BBC

The Almshouse was founded in 1437 under a licence from King Henry VI, with patronage from Robert Neville, Bishop of Salisbury.

From BBC

Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt had said: "For nearly 600 years, our mission has been to provide accommodation for local people in need and now, with the sale of this artwork, we have an important opportunity to protect the work that the charity can do for generations to come."

From BBC

The painting, depicting five miracles of Christ, reportedly survived religious purges by being hidden at the almshouse for hundreds of years, Sotheby's said.

From BBC