alms etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: almesse, from Old English ælmesse
• Old English: ælmesse, from Late Latin eleemosyna
• Late Latin: eleemosyna, from Greek ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosynē)

Meaning:

• Money or food given to the poor, especially by a religious institution.
• A charitable donation.

Origin:

The word "alms" ultimately derives from the Greek word "eleēmosynē," which means "mercy" or "compassion." In the early Christian church, alms were given to the poor as a form of charity and as a way to demonstrate one's faith. The giving of alms was seen as a religious duty and a way of accumulating spiritual merit.

In medieval Europe, alms were often given by monasteries and other religious institutions to the poor and needy. Almshouses were established to provide shelter and food for the homeless. The giving of alms was also seen as a way to protect oneself from sin and to gain the favor of God.

In modern times, the giving of alms continues to be a practice in many religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Alms are often given to charitable organizations that provide food, shelter, and other services to the poor.

alms relate terms

• alimony

  Etymology The word alimony comes from the Latin word alere meaning to nourish Me

• palimony

  Etymology The term palimony is a portmanteau of pal a slang term for a friend or pa

• almoner

  Etymology The word almoner comes from the Middle English term almonere which in tur

• alms

  Etymology Middle English almesse from Old English ælmesse Old English ælmesse fro

• Crispin

  Etymology Crispin is an English name derived from the Latin name Crispinus which in tur

• Abraham

  Etymology The name Abraham is derived from two Hebrew words Ab father Raham grea

• relieve

  Etymology Old French relever Latin relevare re back or again levare to lif

• maunder

  Etymology The word maunder comes from the Middle English word maundren which in turn

• trunk

  Etymology The word trunk has multiple etymological origins From Old English trunc

• charity

  Etymology The word charity comes from the Latin word caritas which means love affe

• beggar

  Etymology The word beggar comes from the Old English word beggiere which in turn co

• donation

  Etymology The word donation comes from the Latin word donare meaning to give Mea

• contribution

  Etymology The word contribution comes from the Latin verb contribuere which means

• Munchkin

  Etymology The word munchkin is a blend of the following Munich German city kin d