Almshouse: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
almshouse
[ หษหlmshaสs ]
historical context
An almshouse is a charitable housing facility for the poor and needy, often established by a benefactor. These institutions provided shelter and support for elderly individuals or those unable to support themselves. Almshouses were common in England from the late Middle Ages and served as a form of social welfare.
Synonyms
charity house, poorhouse, shelter.
Examples of usage
- The local almshouse provided food and shelter to the homeless.
- Many famous philanthropists established almshouses in their communities.
- The history of almshouses reflects the evolution of social welfare systems.
Translations
Translations of the word "almshouse" in other languages:
๐ต๐น asilos
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเคฟเคเฅเคทเคพเคฒเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Armutsheim
๐ฎ๐ฉ rumah jompo
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะธััะปะพะบ ะดะปั ะฑัะดะฝะธั
๐ต๐ฑ przytuลek
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฝใใฎๅฎถ
๐ซ๐ท maison de charitรฉ
๐ช๐ธ asilos
๐น๐ท fakir evi
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ตฌํธ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุฌุฃ ููููุฑุงุก
๐จ๐ฟ chudobinec
๐ธ๐ฐ chudobinec
๐จ๐ณ ๆฝ่ๆฟ
๐ธ๐ฎ azil
๐ฎ๐ธ fรกtรฆktarheimili
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะตะดะตะนะปะตั าฏะนั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแฆแแ แแแแก แกแแฎแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fakir evi
๐ฒ๐ฝ asilos
Etymology
The term 'almshouse' originates from the medieval English word 'almes,' which means 'charity,' and 'house,' referring to a dwelling. Almshouses emerged in the Middle Ages when communities sought to care for the impoverished and aged. Initially, these dwellings were often simple homes funded by wealthy individuals or religious organizations that were dedicated to providing for the less fortunate. They became more widely established throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting changing attitudes toward poverty and social responsibility. Over time, almshouses evolved to include specific entry requirements, often prioritizing the elderly or disabled, and continued to play a crucial role in providing basic needs for those unable to care for themselves. In contemporary society, the legacy of almshouses remains, influencing modern social welfare programs and housing initiatives.