alms basket

The basket in which money or provisions are put in order that they may be given at the fitting time in alms. ( Lit. or fig.) "Oh, they have lived long on the alms-basket of words!"-Shakesp.: Love's Labour's Lost, v. 1. alms-box, 8. A box for the reception of money or provisions to be given in alms. Anciently alms were collected in such boxes both in churches and in private houses. aims-chest, & A chest for the reception of money or provisions to be given as alms. In English churches it is a strong box, with a slit in the upper part. It has three keys: one kept by the clergyman, and the other two by the churchwardens.