eleemosynary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite generous in assistance to the poor
    benevolent; beneficent; philanthropic.
    • a benevolent contributor
    • eleemosynary relief
    • philanthropic contributions

WordNet

El`ee*mos"y*na*ry adjective
Etymology
LL. eleemosynarius, fr. eleemosyna alms, Gr. alms. See Alms.
Definitions
  1. Relating to charity, alms, or almsgiving; intended for the distribution of charity; as, an eleemosynary corporation.
  2. Given in charity or alms; having the nature of alms; as, eleemosynary assistance. "Eleemosynary cures." Boyle.
  3. Supported by charity; as, eleemosynary poor.
El`ee*mos"y*na*ry noun
Wordforms
plural Eleemosynaries
Definitions
  1. One who subsists on charity; a dependent. South.

Webster 1913