Search Result for "frankalmoigne": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Frankalmoigne \Frank`al*moigne"\, n. [F. franc free + Norm. F. almoigne alma, for almosne, F. aum[^o]ne. See Frank, a., and Almoner.] (Eng. Law) A tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands given to them and their successors forever, usually on condition of praying for the soul of the donor and his heirs; -- called also tenure by free alms. --Burrill. [1913 Webster]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

FRANKALMOIGNE, n. The tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands on condition of praying for the soul of the donor. In mediaeval times many of the wealthiest fraternities obtained their estates in this simple and cheap manner, and once when Henry VIII of England sent an officer to confiscate certain vast possessions which a fraternity of monks held by frankalmoigne, "What!" said the Prior, "would you master stay our benefactor's soul in Purgatory?" "Ay," said the officer, coldly, "an ye will not pray him thence for naught he must e'en roast." "But look you, my son," persisted the good man, "this act hath rank as robbery of God!" "Nay, nay, good father, my master the king doth but deliver him from the manifold temptations of too great wealth."