almshouse, almes shouse

1. A house designed for the support of the poor on a private charitable foundation. "And, to relief of lazars, and weak age Of indigent faint souls past corporal toil, A hundred alms - houses right well supplied." Shakesp.: Henry V., 1. L 2. A poor-house, what is now called a workhouse. A house designed for the support of the poor upon public rates. "Only, alas! the poor, who had neither friends nor attendants, Crept away to die in the almshouse, home for the homele ." Long fellow: Evangeline, pt. il., v. 5. * alms-man, * almes-mann, s. A man who lives by alms. [BEDESMAN.J "My gay apparel for an alms -man's gown." Shakesp.: Richard II., iii. 3. People supported by * alms-people, s . alms. "They be bound to pay four shillings the week to the six alms people. - Weever: Funeral Monuments.