almshouse

[ ahmz-hous ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

, plural alms·hous·es [ahmz, -hou-ziz].

1. a house endowed by private charity for the reception and support of the aged or infirm poor.
2. (formerly) a poorhouse.

almshouse

/ ˈɑːmzˌhaʊs /

noun

1. history a privately supported house offering accommodation to the aged or needy
2. another name for poorhouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of almshouse¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, almshouse is from Middle English almes hous. See alms, house

Example Sentences

To mark the 200th anniversary of Trinity Homes Almshouse in Brixton, photographer Jim Grover stepped inside to meet some of the current residents and delve into its history.

From BBC

She and other volunteers started with the only individual whose name Morton recorded: John Voorhees, who died of tuberculosis in the Philadelphia Almshouse in 1846.

From Science Magazine

“As a historian of the 19th century, I know there is so much documentation available on these people who were in these marginalized positions,” from the records of state institutions such as the almshouse, Monteiro says.

From Science Magazine

The almshouse and chapel have been attributed to St Paul's Cathedral architect Sir Christopher Wren.

From BBC

The Penn Museum was built on property that once adjoined the Blockley Almshouse, right between a potter’s field and Penn Medical School.

From New York Times