Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ALIMENT, v. To provide for the maintenance of, to support, maintain (as required by law). Sc. 1845 Stat. Acc.² I. 581:
The surplus of the rents is to be applied in clothing and alimenting four boys to be educated at said school.Rxb. 1795 Stat. Acc.² II. 395: 
To aliment the poor with a weekly allowance of meal instead of money.

vbl.n.Lnk. 1711 Minutes J.P.'s Lnk. (S.H.S. 1931) 122:
She asked . . . a sentance againstt the said John Dyks for alimenting of the said chyld.

Hence alimenter, one who receives public assistance.Sc. 1800 Edb. Weekly Jnl. (8 Jan.) 14: 
The Cumberland Society of Paisley have resolved to raise the weekly allowance of three shillings to four shillings, to such alimenters as are bedfast.