GREAT ALMONER, GRAND ALMONER, in France, before the revolution, was the highest ecclesiastical dignity in that kingdom. To him belonged the superintendency of all hospitals and houses of lepers. The king received the sacrament from his hand; and he said 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.