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limosna

alms

noun lee-MOHS-nah Rare
People & Society Values

Origin: From Late Latin eleemosyna, from Greek eleēmosunē, 'mercy'.

Also means

charity

Usage Note

Limosna refers to money or food given to the poor out of charity, especially in a religious context. The phrase pedir limosna means 'to beg'. It is feminine and has no common irregular plural. In a broader sense it can denote any charitable handout, sometimes with a condescending nuance.

Examples

"El mendigo pedía limosna en la plaza."

Natural Translation

The beggar was asking for alms in the square.

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