a. Obs. [f. ALMS + -FUL.] Abounding in alms, beneficent to the poor; charitable.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 143. Þe herbe[r]gers, þe þolemode, þe elmesfulle.
c. 1200. Ormin, 9931. Mec and milde and allmessfull.
c. 1300. Beket, 1676. Gode men beoth and almesful.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. VII. 48. Þat ich were · wel holy and wel almesful.
c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., 335. Goostlie almysful preestis.
