ˈalms-house
A house founded by private charity, for the reception and support of the (usually aged) poor. Formerly, The house where the alms of a monastery were distributed, and the hospitality of the convent dispensed.
| 1440 Promp. Parv., Almesshowse, Xenodochium. 1509 Bury Wills (1850) 111 The seyd poor dwellyng in y⊇ seyd almeshowsyn. 1576 Grindal Articles of Inquiry Wks. 1843, 172 Whether your hospitals, spitals, and almose-houses, be well and godly used. 1712 Addison Spect. No. 549 ¶3, I may build an alms-house..for a dozen superannuated husbandmen. 1858 Wiseman Four Last Popes 238 Humble alms-houses founded by an eminent merchant. |