Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Almoner
Al′mon-er
(ăl′mŭn-ẽr)
, Noun.
[OE.
aumener
, aulmener
, OF. almosnier
, aumosnier
, F. aumônier
, fr. OF. almosne
, alms, L. eleemosyna
. See Alms
.] 1.
One who distributes alms, esp. the doles and alms of religious houses, almshouses, etc.; also, one who dispenses alms for another, as the
almoner
of a prince, bishop, etc. Webster 1828 Edition
Almoner
AL'MONER
,Noun.
An officer whose duty is to distribute charity or alms. By the ancient canons, every monastery was to dispose of a tenth of its income in alms to the poor, and all bishops were obliged to keep an almoner. This title is sometimes given to a chaplain; as, the almoner of a ship or regiment.
The Lord Almoner, or Lord High Almoner, in England, is an ecclesiastical officer, generally a bishop, who has the forfeiture of al deodands, and the goods of self-murderers, which he is to distribute to the poor.
The Grand Almoner, in France, is the first ecclesiastical dignitary, and has the superintendence of hospitals.