a general term for what is given out of charity to the poor.

In the early ages of Christianity, the alms of the charitable were divided into four parts; one of which was allotted to the bishop, another to the priests, and a third to the deacons and sub-deacons, which made their whole subsistence; the fourth part was employed in relieving the poor, and in repairing the churches.

also denotes lands or other effects left to churches or religious houses, on condition of praying for the soul of the donor. Hence,

Free Alms was that which is liable to no rent or service.

Reasonable Alms was a certain portion of the estates of intestate persons, allotted to the poor.

ALMS-box, or ALMS-chest, in churches, and hospitals, &c., a strong box, with a hole or slit in the upper part, to receive the alms of the charitably disposed.

ALMS-feoth, or ALMS-feoths, a term anciently used for Peter's pence. See Peter's Pence.

ALMS-house, a kind of hospital for the maintenance of a certain number of poor, aged, or disabled persons.