almoner

Meaning

Noun

• one who distributes alms, especially the doles and alms of religious houses, almshouses
• one who dispenses alms for another, as the almoner of a prince, bishop
• a title given to a royal officer charged with the duty of distributing alms or bounty on behalf of a monarch
• A hospital official responsible for patient welfare and after-care.

Origin

• From Old English aumener, aulmener, from Old French almosnier, from almosne, from Latin eleemosyna. See alms, Almosen.