Alms

alms
    n 1: money or goods contributed to the poor
    

Alms \Alms\ ([add]mz), n. sing. & pl. [OE. almes, almesse, AS.
   [ae]lmysse, 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.
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         A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
                                                  --Acts x. 2.
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         Alms are but the vehicles of prayer.     --Dryden.
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   {Tenure by free alms}. See {Frankalmoign}. --Blackstone.
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   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.
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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.
    

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.