tenure by free alms

Frankalmoigne \Frank`al*moigne"\, n. [F. franc free + Norm. F.
   almoigne alma, for almosne, F. aum[^o]ne. See {Frank}, a.,
   and {Almoner}.] (Eng. Law)
   A tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands given
   to them and their successors forever, usually on condition of
   praying for the soul of the donor and his heirs; -- called
   also {tenure by free alms}. --Burrill.
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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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