almshouse

[ahmz-hous]

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.

almshouse

/ ˈɑːmzˌhaʊs /

noun

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

2. another name for poorhouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of almshouse¹

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

Example Sentences

They are joined by the "pioneering" Appleby Blue Almshouse retirement home and the Japanese-inspired Niwa House, both in south London, and an extension to an "eccentric" home in Hastings.

From BBC

This social housing development, with 57 flats for over-65s, in Southwark, south London, replaced an abandoned care home, and is billed as a modern version of the traditional almshouse.

From BBC

It's their own wrong thought that's led them to the almshouse.

From Salon

To mark the 200th anniversary of Trinity Homes Almshouse in Brixton, photographer Jim Grover stepped inside to meet some of the current residents and delve into its history.

From BBC

She and other volunteers started with the only individual whose name Morton recorded: John Voorhees, who died of tuberculosis in the Philadelphia Almshouse in 1846.

From Science Magazine