| 释义 |
ˈalms-house
A house founded by private charity, for the reception and support of the (usually aged) poor. Formerly, The house where the alms of a monastery were distributed, and the hospitality of the convent dispensed.
1440Promp. Parv., Almesshowse, Xenodochium. 1509Bury Wills (1850) 111 The seyd poor dwellyng in y⊇ seyd almeshowsyn. 1576Grindal Articles of Inquiry Wks. 1843, 172 Whether your hospitals, spitals, and almose-houses, be well and godly used. 1712Addison Spect. No. 549 ⁋3, I may build an alms-house..for a dozen superannuated husbandmen. 1858Wiseman Four Last Popes 238 Humble alms-houses founded by an eminent merchant. |