almoner

[ al-muh-ner, ah-muh- ]

noun

1. a person whose function or duty is the distribution of alms on behalf of an institution, a royal personage, a monastery, etc.
2. British.
   1. a hospital official who determines the amount due for a patient's treatment.
   2. a social worker in a hospital.

almoner

/ ˈɑːmənə /

noun

1. obsolete.
   a trained hospital social worker responsible for the welfare of patients
2. (formerly) a person who distributes alms or charity on behalf of a household or institution

Other Words From

• sub·almon·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of almoner¹

1250–1300; Middle English almoiner, aumoner (with insertion of l under influence of alms ) < Old French aumon ( i ) er ≪ Late Latin eleēmosynārius eleemosynary

Word History and Origins

Origin of almoner¹

C13: from Old French almosnier, from almosne alms, from Vulgar Latin alemosina (unattested), from Late Latin eleēmosyna; see alms

Example Sentences

They were delivered in his name by Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is known as "the pope's almoner" or one who distributes alms to the poor.

From Reuters

The Vatican also has begun a campaign that allows donors to contribute, via the website of the Vatican almoner’s office, the cost of a vaccine destined for people in poor countries.

From Reuters

They reached out to the pope through Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner, who is responsible for charitable work done in the name of pope.

From Fox News

Speaking on his return from a visit to the camps, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the Vatican’s almoner, condemned the EU’s handling of the refugee situation, saying that “animals live better in Europe”.

From The Guardian

The free show, described as the “Solidarity Circus,” was arranged by the Vatican’s charity office, known as the almoner, after the pope saw circus performers at one of his general hearings.

From New York Times