E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gifts to the poor.
Dr. Johnson says the word has no singular; whereas Todd says it has no plural. Like riches it is wholly singular in construction, but is used both as a noun singular and noun plural. Of course it is Almos-ine, almos-ie, Almose, almesso, almes, alms, the s is not the plural suffix. Riches is the French richesse. Both words are singular, but, as nouns of multitude, prefer the plural construction. (Latin alimosina, Greek eleemosyn, from the verb eleo, I pity.)