almshouse: Meaning and Definition of

alms•house

Pronunciation: (ämz'hous"), [key]
— pl. -hous•es
  1. a house endowed by private charity for the reception and support of the aged or infirm poor.
  2. (formerly) a poorhouse.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.