ALMS
ADJECTIVES
► ELEEMOSYNARY 1. pert. to alms or almsgiving; charitable → 1630
2. dependent on or supported by alms → 1654
NOUNS
► BEADHOUSE an alms-house, the inmates of which were to pray for the soul of the founder → 1160
NOUNS – PERSON
► BADGEMAN an alms-house man: so called because a special dress or badge is worn to indicate that the wearer belongs to a particular foundation → 1668
► BEADLE a person receiving parish alms → 1898 Eng. dial. (Bk.)
► BEADSMAN an almsman, an inmate of an almshouse → 1524
► BEADS-WOMAN an almswoman, a woman who prays for a benefactor → 1465
► ELEEMOSYNAR a person who gives alms, an almoner → 1639 obs. exc. Hist.
► ELEEMOSYNARY 1. a person who lives upon alms; a beggar → 1643 obs.
2. a person who gives alms, an almoner → 1656
VERBS
► ELEEMOSYNATE to give alms → 1656 obs.
► GO ON THE LOW GAG to beg alms in the streets, with a pretended broken arm, leg, etc. → 1809 UK sl.
► HEAVE THE HAND to give alms, to bestow charity → 1902 Eng. dial. (Bk.)
► QUEST to collect money or provisions as alms → 1843 Ireland
► THIG to solicit alms on certain occasions, such as on setting up housekeeping, etc. → 1817 Sc. & N. Eng. dial.
Lexicophilia 