poor box

American  

noun

1. a box, especially in a church, into which contributions for people in need can be dropped.

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poor box British  

noun

1. a box, esp one in a church, used for the collection of alms or money for the poor

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Etymology

Origin of poor box

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

However, a poor box office showing for "Eternals" ultimately saw the planned follow-up movie scrapped.

From Salon • Aug. 14, 2024

A handful Alamo Drafthouse franchise locations recently closed in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, citing poor box office.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2024

If Christmas audiences aren’t in the mood to watch a big-budget movie about Cheney, poor box office could further depress McKay’s chances.

From New York Times • Jan. 1, 2019

With the recent Fantastic Four reboot’s poor box office performance, a lot of people are wondering if superhero fatigue is setting in.

From Time • Aug. 20, 2015

Healed in both body and soul, Pedro Tercero Garcia made his way to the capital with a bundle of clothes and a few coins the priest had taken from the poor box.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende