1. One supported by alms, or by funds bequeathed for the support of the poor; a bedesman. Also fig.
a. 1000. Sax. Leechd., I. 400. Ðonne nime man uncuþ sæd æt ælmesmannum.
1205. Layam., 19662. Nu wenden forð þa cnihtes … On ælmes-monnes claðes.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., Almesmann, Elimosinarius.
1593. Shaks., Rich. II., III. iii. 149. My gay Apparrell, for an Almes-mans Gowne.
1649. Bp. Hall, Cases of Consc., III. vii. (1654), 229. Ye proud ignorants, that call your ministers your almes-men.
1820. Keats, Isabella, xiii. Bees, the little almsmen of spring bowers.
1866. Rogers, Agric. & Prices, I. v. 120. The garb of the fourteenth century is still seen in the almsman’s gaberdine.
2. An almsgiver. arch.
1483. Caxton, G. de la Tour, ciij b. [He] was a grete almesman to the poure.
1587. Holinshed, Chron., III. 835/1. He was a good almes-man, and greatly releeued the needie.
1876. Freeman, Norm. Conq., I. vi. 511. King John also was a great almsman.
