alms /ˈɑ(l)mz, ||ˈɑmz/
 捐獻,救濟金,救濟品
 Alms n. sing. & pl.  Anything given gratuitously to relieve the poor, as money, food, or clothing; a gift of charity.
    A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.   --Acts x. 2.
    Alms are but the vehicles of prayer.   --Dryden.
 Tenure by free alms. See Frankalmoign.
 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.
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 alms
      n : voluntary contributions to aid the poor [syn: alms-giving,
           almsgiving]
 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.