noun
- money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy as an act of charity
Usage: usually plural; formal or religious contexts
Examples
- The church collected alms for the homeless shelter.
- Medieval monks often distributed alms to beggars at the monastery gates.
- She gave alms to the poor woman sitting outside the cathedral.
- The wealthy merchant was known for his generous alms to local orphanages.
- During Ramadan, many Muslims increase their giving of alms to those in need.
- The beggar held out his cup, hoping for alms from passing strangers.