tenure by free alms

2 definitions found

tenure by free alms - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Frankalmoigne \Frank`al*moigne"\, n. [F. franc free + Norm. F.
     almoigne alma, for almosne, F. aum[^o]ne. See Frank, a.,
     and Almoner.] (Eng. Law)
     A tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands given
     to them and their successors forever, usually on condition of
     praying for the soul of the donor and his heirs; -- called
     also tenure by free alms. --Burrill.
     [1913 Webster]

  Alms \Alms\ ([add]mz), n. sing. & pl. [OE. almes, almesse, AS.
     [ae]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.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           A devout man . . . which gave much alms to the people.
                                                    --Acts x. 2.
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           Alms are but the vehicles of prayer.     --Dryden.
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     Tenure by free alms. See Frankalmoign. --Blackstone.
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     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.
           [1913 Webster]