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1. WordNet® 3.0 (2006)
alms
    n 1: money or goods contributed to the poor

2. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Alms \Alms\ ([add]mz), n. sing. & pl. [OE. almes, almesse, AS.
   [ae]lmysse, fr. L. eleemosyna, Gr. 'elehmosy`nh mercy,
   charity, alms, fr. 'eleei^n to pity. Cf. Almonry,
   Eleemosynary.]
   Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money,
   food, or clothing; a gift of charity.
   [1913 Webster]

         A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
                                                  --Acts x. 2.
   [1913 Webster]

         Alms are but the vehicles of prayer.     --Dryden.
   [1913 Webster]

   Tenure by free alms. See Frankalmoign. --Blackstone.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: This word alms is singular in its form (almesse), and
         is sometimes so used; as, "asked an alms." --Acts iii.
         3. "Received an alms." --Shak. It is now, however,
         commonly a collective or plural noun. It is much used
         in composition, as almsgiver, almsgiving, alms bag,
         alms chest, etc.
         [1913 Webster]

3. Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Alms
   Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The
   Mosaic legislation (Lev. 25:35; Deut. 15:7) tended to promote a
   spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution
   among the people. Such passages as these, Ps. 41:1; 112:9; Prov.
   14:31; Isa. 10:2; Amos 2:7; Jer. 5:28; Ezek. 22:29, would also
   naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
   
     In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mark 10:46; Acts
   3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings
   (Matt. 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be
   actuated in this duty is set forth in 1 John 3:17. A regard to
   the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty
   (Luke 3:11; 6:30; Matt. 6:1; Acts 9:36; 10:2, 4), a duty which
   was not neglected by the early Christians (Luke 14:13; Acts
   20:35; Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). They cared not
   only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the
   necessities of those at a distance (Acts 11:29; 24:17; 2 Cor.
   9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in
   this (John 13:29).
   
     In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element
   which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge
   this Christian duty.
   

4. Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ALMS. In its most extensive sense, this comprehends every species of relief
bestowed upon the poor, and, therefore, including all charities. In a more,
limited sense, it signifies what is given by public authority for the relief
of the poor. Shelford on Mortmain, 802, note (x); 1 Dougl. Election Cas.
370; 2 Id. 107; Heywood on Elections, 263.



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