almonry
Definition
Noun: A place, typically a room or building, where alms (money, food, or other charitable gifts) are distributed to the poor, especially in a religious or monastic context.
Usage Examples
Advanced Usage
- Historical context: The almonry was often part of a cathedral, abbey, or royal household, staffed by an almoner who managed the distribution of alms.
- The king's almonry provided food and clothing to hundreds of beggars during the harsh winter.
Variants and Related Words
Almoner (n): a person who distributes alms or charitable aid, often an official in a church or hospital.
- The almoner visited the poor families to assess their needs before giving out aid.
Alms (n): money, food, or other items given to the poor as charity.
- The faithful gave alms to support the work of the almonry.
Synonyms
- Charity house: a place where charitable goods are distributed.
- Poorhouse: a building where the poor are housed and given assistance (though this often implies residence, not just distribution).
Related Idioms
- None directly: "almonry" is a specific historical term with no common idiomatic usage. However, the concept is tied to the idiom "give alms".
- She gave alms to the beggar at the church door.
Notes on Usage
- "Almonry" is an archaic or historical term, rarely used in modern everyday English except in historical or ecclesiastical contexts. It is most often encountered in discussions of medieval charity, monastery life, or old buildings.