Definition

Noun: A shallow, typically flat receptacle or plate, often made of metal, wood, or wicker, that is passed among a congregation during a religious service to collect monetary offerings or donations intended as alms (charitable gifts for the poor).

Usage

The alms tray is used specifically in a religious or ceremonial context to facilitate the collection of charitable donations from attendees. It is handled by ushers, deacons, or other designated individuals.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The deacon passed the alms tray down each row of pews.
  • Please place your donation in the alms tray when it comes to you.
  • The church uses a beautifully engraved silver alms tray for the collection.

Advanced Usage

• "to pass the alms tray": The act of moving the tray through the congregation to gather offerings.
  • It is customary for the ushers to pass the alms tray after the sermon.

Variants and Related Words

• Offering plate: A more general term for a tray or plate used to collect monetary offerings in a religious service.
• Collection plate: A common synonym for an alms tray.
• Alms box: A related but distinct item; a stationary box or chest where alms can be deposited, rather than a passed tray.

Synonyms

• Collection plate
• Offering plate
• Donation tray

Related Idioms

• "To pass the plate": An idiom meaning to collect donations, especially in a church setting.
  • The pastor asked the congregation to be generous as they passed the plate.

Noun

1. a tray for collecting the offering from a congregation