alms

/ɑ(l)mz/

Alms are money, food, or similar items given to the poor as a charitable act. The word isn't used much today, but in movies set in the 1800s or earlier, you'll likely see street beggars shouting, "Alms for the poor!"

The word alms comes from the Greek word eleemosyne, which means "compassion or pity," and is itself from the word eleos, which means "mercy." Related words include almshouse (a poorhouse), almsman (someone who receives charitable alms), and alms chest (a box in a church used for the purpose of collecting money for the poor). None of these words are very common today.

Definitions of alms

1. noun

   money or goods contributed to the poor
   type of:

   contribution, donation

   act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity