El`ee*mos"y*na*ry (?; 277), a. [LL. eleemosynarius, fr. eleemosyna alms, Gr. &?; alms. See Alms.] 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, n.; pl. Eleemosynaries (&?;). One who subsists on charity; a dependent. South.

• Relating to charity, alms, or almsgiving; intended for the distribution of charity; as, an eleemosynary corporation.
       quotations:
       *"Amidst all this, the legal business, the acquiring of land, the construction of the Montgomery Block, Billings had generosity and time to support the founding of the University of California and a half dozen churches, schools, orphan asylums and other eleemosynary institutions." — Washington Post, October 27, 1991
  
• Given in charity or alms; having the nature of alms; as, eleemosynary assistance.
  
• Supported by charity; as, eleemosynary poor.