Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container for collecting charitable donations: An "alms box" is a receptacle, typically found in a place of worship or public area, designed to receive money or gifts given as alms (charity) for the poor.

Usage

• The primary use is to describe a physical box where charitable offerings are deposited.
• It is often associated with religious or historical contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Visitors to the cathedral dropped coins into the ancient alms box.
  • The priest reminded the congregation that the alms box at the back of the church was for donations to the local shelter.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Religious Context: The term is often used when describing traditional practices of charity within churches, temples, or monasteries.
  • The medieval alms box was carved from a single piece of oak.

Variants and Related Words

• Alms: (noun, plural) Money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy.
  • He gave alms to the beggar on the street.
• Collection box: A more general term for any box used to collect money for a cause.
• Poor box: A near-synonym, specifically for donations intended for the poor.

Synonyms

• Collection box
• Poor box
• Offertory box (specifically in a Christian church context)

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym for a physical object. Conceptually, one might consider a safe or strongbox (for storing money securely, not for charitable collection) as a contrasting item.

Related Phrases

• To give alms: The action associated with the use of an alms box.
  • The faithful give alms during the service.

Noun

1. box for collecting alms, especially one in a church