Bible Encyclopedias
Alms-Basin (or Alms-Dish)

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Alms-Basin (Or Alms-Dish)

a vessel of metal in which to receive the bags containing the "alms for the poor and the other devotions of the people" for presentation on the altar. They are made of brass, pewter, or more precious metals. Ancient examples frequently have representations in relief of the temptation of Eve or the return of the two spies from Canaaan; modern specimens are commonly adorned with texts of Scripture.