almsn. sing. & pl.[OE. almes, almesse, AS. 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.()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. Blackstone.()()