GREAT ALMONER, GRAND ALMONER, in France, is
the highest ecclesiastical dignity in that kingdom. To him belongs the superintendency of all hospitals and houses of lepers. The king receives the sacrament from his hand; and he says mass before the king in all grand ceremonies and solemnities.
ALMONER is also a more fashionable title given by some writers to chaplains. In this sense we meet with almoner of a ship, almoner of a regiment.