almswoman

[ ahmz-woom-uhn ]

noun

, plural alms·wom·en.

1. a woman supported by alms.
2. Archaic. a woman who gives alms.

almswoman

/ ˈɑːmzwʊmən /

noun

1. archaic.
   a woman who gives or receives alms

Gender Note

Is it almswoman or almsperson? See -woman.

Word History and Origins

Origin of almswoman¹

First recorded in 1400–50; alms + woman

Example Sentences

"But, sir," says one poor woman, "I am a poor almswoman, and am kept by the parish; and your bills say you give the poor your help for nothing."

From Project Gutenberg