- ə nˌerē, -ri adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin eleemosynarius, from Late Latin eleemosyna + Latin -arius -ary (adjective suffix)
1. : of or relating to charity : charitable , philanthropic
a rich man given to many eleemosynary activities
eleemosynary relief
2.
a. : nonprofit and receiving all or a great part of sustaining funds from donations or gifts
about 90 percent of the hospitals are of a governmental, charitable, or eleemosynary and nonprofit character — U.S. Code
churches, lodges, and other eleemosynary institutions — Sat. Eve. Post
b. : provided by an institution of this nature
an eleemosynary education