Almshouse: meaning, definitions and examples

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almshouse

 

[ หˆษ‘หlmshaสŠs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น asilos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเคฟเค•เฅเคทเคพเคฒเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Armutsheim

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rumah jompo

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะธั‚ัƒะปะพะบ ะดะปั ะฑั–ะดะฝะธั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ przytuล‚ek

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ–ฝใ—ใฎๅฎถ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท maison de charitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ asilos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fakir evi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌํ˜ธ์†Œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู„ุฌุฃ ู„ู„ูู‚ุฑุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ chudobinec

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ chudobinec

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–ฝ่ˆๆˆฟ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ azil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรกtรฆktarheimili

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะดะตะนะปะตั€ าฏะนั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒฆแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒกแƒแƒฎแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fakir evi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,054, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.