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

The Appleby Blue Almshouse was built on the site of an old care home by United St Saviour's Charity, which subsidises the flats for people on low incomes.

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A modern answer to the traditional almshouse, designed to combat loneliness, has won a prestigious architecture award for Britain's best new building.

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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.

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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.

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

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