Meaning of ALMS
| Pronunciation: | | âmz
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 WordNet Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | [n] voluntary contributions to aid the poor |
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| | Synonyms: | | alms-giving |
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| | See Also: | | charity | |
| Webster's 1913 Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | \Alms\, n. sing. & pl. [OE. almes, almesse, AS. [ae]lmysse,
fr. L. eleemosyna, Gr. ? mercy, charity, alms, fr. ? to pity.
Cf. {Almonry}, {Eleemosynary}.]
Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money,
food, or clothing; a gift of charity.
A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
--Acts x. 2.
Alms are but the vehicles of prayer. --Dryden.
{Tenure by free alms}. See {Frankalmoign}. --Blackstone.
Note: This word alms is singular in its form (almesse), and
is sometimes so used; as, ``asked an alms.'' --Acts
iii. 3.``Received an alms.'' --Shak. It is now,
however, commonly a collective or plural noun. It is
much used in composition, as almsgiver, almsgiving,
alms bag, alms chest, etc.
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| Easton Bible Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Ps. 41:1; 112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit. In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1 John 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Luke 3:11; 6:30; Matt. 6:1; Acts 9:36; 10:2, 4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luke 14:13; Acts 20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Acts 11:29; 24:17; 2 Cor. 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (John 13:29). In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty. |
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