poor-box

A woman drops a coin into the poor-box at the church entrance.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container, typically placed in a church or other religious building, used for collecting money or goods to be given as alms to the poor.

Usage Examples

• (A box for collecting charitable offerings.)
• (A repository for alms.)

Advanced Usage

• "to contribute to the poor-box": to donate money or items specifically for the relief of the poor.

  • She always contributed to the poor-box during Lent. (She gave money for charitable purposes.)

• "the poor-box of the parish": a specific poor-box belonging to a local church community.

  • The poor-box of the parish was kept locked except during services. (The container was secured to prevent theft.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alms-box (n): a box for collecting alms, synonymous with poor-box.

  • The alms-box was placed near the altar. (A box for charitable donations.)

• Offertory box (n): a box used during the offertory part of a church service for collecting offerings.

  • The usher passed the offertory box around the congregation. (A container for donations during worship.)

Synonyms

• Alms chest: a chest or strongbox for storing alms.
• Charity box: a box for collecting charitable contributions.

Related Idioms

• "to put money in the poor-box": to make a charitable donation, often as a symbolic act of generosity.

  • He felt guilty about his wealth, so he put money in the poor-box every week. (He gave to the poor as a moral duty.)

• "to rob the poor-box": to steal from a charitable fund, considered a particularly shameful act.

  • The thief was condemned for robbing the poor-box of the village church. (Stealing from a charity meant for the needy.)

Notes on Usage

• The term "poor-box" is somewhat dated and is most often encountered in historical, religious, or literary contexts. In modern usage, terms like "donation box" or "charity box" are more common, though "poor-box" retains a specific connotation of almsgiving within Christian traditions.