almsman

An elderly almsman receives a loaf of bread at the church door.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who receives alms: "almsman" refers to an individual who lives on charitable donations or public assistance, typically in a historical or religious context.
   • A beneficiary of charity: This term specifically denotes someone who is dependent on alms (money, food, or other aid given to the poor).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old almsman sat at the church gate, waiting for the faithful to offer their coins. (A person who receives charitable gifts from others.)
  • In medieval times, an almsman might be supported by a monastery or a wealthy patron. (A recipient of alms in a historical setting.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be an almsman of the parish": to be officially recognized as a recipient of parish charity.
  • He was registered as an almsman of the parish, receiving a weekly allowance of bread. (He was a documented beneficiary of local church charity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alms (n): money, food, or other donations given to the poor.
  • The wealthy merchant gave alms to the beggars every Sunday. (Charitable gifts.)
• Almshouse (n): a charitable housing establishment for the poor, often elderly.
  • The almshouse provided shelter for ten almsmen. (A building where almsmen lived.)
• Almsgiver (n): a person who gives alms.
  • The almsgiver distributed food to the needy. (A donor of charity.)

Synonyms

• Beggarman: a man who lives by begging.
• Pauper: a very poor person, often dependent on public or private charity.
• Mendicant: a person who begs for a living, especially a religious one.

Related Idioms

• "Alms for the poor": a traditional phrase used by beggars seeking charity.
  • The almsman repeated his plea: "Alms for the poor, kind sir." (A request for charitable donations.)
• "To live on alms": to survive solely through charitable giving.
  • After losing his job, he had to live on alms from the church. (To depend on charity for survival.)