almshouse
1
9.3
- noun
- /ˈɑlmˌhaʊs/
- Archaic
:
asilo
- Elderly people are shown among the other deserving poor in an almshouse, at the Freedman's Bureau, or claiming veterans benefits.
- almshouse residents
- place in an almshouse
- American almshouses
Examples
-
The newly renovated almshouse now offers comfortable rooms for low-income seniors.
-
Advocates argued that the almshouse was both emotionally and financially corrupt.
Academic text (1993) -
We understand there was even an almshouse where they took care of their poor.
Fiction book (2002) -
In both cases, a place in an almshouse was to be preferred.
Academic text (1995) -
For the women applying to the almshouse, aging meant financial problems.
Academic text (1995) -
Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, however, the almshouse took on increased importance.
Academic text (1993) -
For example, the county almshouse was a catchall institution for the poor of all ages.
Academic text (1992) -
A 73-year-old widow used her age to increase her chances of gaining admittance to the almshouse.
Academic text (1995) -
The local charity helps provide shelter in an almshouse for those who cannot afford housing.
-
Many elderly individuals in our community rely on the support offered by the almshouse nearby.
Synonyms
7
8.5
A public home where poor people live and get basic care
How Comfortable
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Almshouse comes from the old word alms, which means 'charity', and house, which means 'home'. It was originally a 'charity home' where poor or elderly people could live for free, which is why we use it for that kind of building today.