in the Law of Scotland, is the reciprocal obligation of parents and children to contribute to each others' maintenance. It also indicated a similar obligation of other parties, as of creditors to imprisoned debtors, &c.

ALIMENTARIA Lex, was an old Roman law, whereby children were obliged to find sustenance for their parents.

ALIMENTARIIS Pueri, &c., were certain children publicly maintained and educated by the munificence of the Roman emperors. This was first done by Nerva, and afterwards by Trajan and Adrian. Antoninus Pius did the same for a number of girls, at the solicitation of Faustina; and hence, in some medals of that empress, we read VELLEAE FAUSTINIANAE.—Alexander Severus did the like at the request of Mamaea; and the maids thus educated were called Mamaeanae.

ALIMENTARY Duct or Canal. See Anatomy.