Almshouse – Definition & Meaning

Conclusion

An almshouse is a type of housing that is provided for the poor, elderly, and disabled people. It is a charitable institution that provides accommodation, food, and other basic necessities to those who are unable to support themselves. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of almshouse, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

An almshouse is a form of social housing that is provided for people who are unable to support themselves. It is a charitable institution that provides accommodation, food, and other basic necessities to those who are in need. The term almshouse is derived from the Old English word “ælmesse,” which means “charity.”

Origin

The concept of almshouses dates back to the Middle Ages when religious institutions provided housing and care for the poor and needy. In England, the first recorded almshouse was established in the 10th century. The almshouse movement gained momentum during the 16th and 17th centuries, and many charitable institutions were established to provide housing for the poor.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an almshouse is “a house built for the reception of the poor, aged, or infirm, who are maintained at the expense of the founder or of the public.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an almshouse as “a house endowed by private charity for the reception and support of the aged or infirm poor.”

Associations

Almshouses are often associated with charity, philanthropy, and social welfare. They are seen as a way of providing for the basic needs of those who are unable to support themselves. Almshouses are also associated with religion, as many of the early almshouses were established by religious institutions.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of almshouse include poorhouse, workhouse, hospice, shelter, and refuge. These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to institutions that provide housing and care for the poor and needy.

Antonyms

The antonyms of almshouse include luxury, opulence, wealth, and affluence. These terms are often used to describe the opposite of poverty and need.

The same root words

The same root words as almshouse include alms, which means “money or food given to poor people,” and house, which means “a building for human habitation.”

Example Sentences

  1. The local council provides funding for the maintenance of the almshouse.
  2. The almshouse was established in the 18th century to provide housing for the poor.
  3. The charity organization raised funds to build a new almshouse for the elderly.
  4. The residents of the almshouse receive regular meals and medical care.
  5. The almshouse provides a safe and comfortable home for those who are unable to support themselves.

In conclusion, almshouses are charitable institutions that provide housing and care for the poor, elderly, and disabled people. They have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages and are associated with charity, philanthropy, and social welfare. Almshouses continue to play an important role in providing for the basic needs of those who are unable to support themselves.

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