[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

alms \alms\ addmz, n. sing.  pl. oe. almes, almesse, as.
   aelmysse, fr. l. eleemosyna, gr. 'elehmosy`nh mercy,
   charity, alms, fr. 'eleei^n to pity. cf. almonry,
   eleemosynary.
   anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money,
   food, or clothing; a gift of charity.
   1913 webster

         a devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
                                                  --acts x. 2.
   1913 webster

         alms are but the vehicles of prayer.     --dryden.
   1913 webster

   tenure by free alms. see frankalmoign. --blackstone.
      1913 webster

   note: this word alms is singular in its form almesse, and
         is sometimes so used; as, "asked an alms." --acts iii.
         3. "received an alms." --shak. it is now, however,
         commonly a collective or plural noun. it is much used
         in composition, as almsgiver, almsgiving, alms bag,
         alms chest, etc.
         1913 webster
see also:
almonry eleemosynary tenure by free alms frankalmoign 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

alms
     n : voluntary contributions to aid the poor syn: alms-giving,
          almsgiving
see also:
alms-giving almsgiving 

[3] : Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

alms
   not found in the old testament, but repeatedly in the new. the
   mosaic legislation lev. 25:35; deut. 15:7 tended to promote a
   spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution
   among the people. such passages as these, ps. 41:1; 112:9; prov.
   14:31; isa. 10:2; amos 2:7; jer. 5:28; ezek. 22:29, would also
   naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
   
     in the time of our lord begging was common mark 10:46; acts
   3:2. the pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings
   matt. 6:2. the spirit by which the christian ought to be
   actuated in this duty is set forth in 1 john 3:17. a regard to
   the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a christian duty
   luke 3:11; 6:30; matt. 6:1; acts 9:36; 10:2, 4, a duty which
   was not neglected by the early christians luke 14:13; acts
   20:35; gal. 2:10; rom. 15:25-27; 1 cor. 16:1-4. they cared not
   only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the
   necessities of those at a distance acts 11:29; 24:17; 2 cor.
   9:12. our lord and his attendants showed an example also in
   this john 13:29.
   
     in modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element
   which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge
   this christian duty.
   

[4] : Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

alms. in its most extensive sense, this comprehends every species of relief
bestowed upon the poor, and, therefore, including all charities. in a more,
limited sense, it signifies what is given by public authority for the relief
of the poor. shelford on mortmain, 802, note x; 1 dougl. election cas.
370; 2 id. 107; heywood on elections, 263.

Alms >> A Words
Alms, definition of term: Alms
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