Alms vs Panhandling - What's the difference?

As a noun alms

is something given to the poor as charity, such as money, clothing or food.

(alms)

Something given to the poor as charity, such as money, clothing or food.

She gave $10 weekly to the poor as alms .

Alms are distributed from the weekly collection for the purpose.

* c.'' 1779 ,

St. Antoninus never refused an alms which was asked in the name of God.

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(wikipedia panhandling)

(head)