1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Aliment

ALIMENT (from Lat. aliment-um, from alere to nourish), a synonym for “food,” literally or metaphorically. The word has also been used in the same legal sense as Alimony (q.v.). Aliment, in Scots law, is the sum paid or allowance given in respect of the reciprocal obligation of parents and children, husband and wife, grandparents and grandchildren, to contribute to each other’s maintenance. The term is also used in regard to a similar obligation of other parties, as of creditors to imprisoned debtors, the payments by parishes to paupers, &c. Alimentary funds, whether of the kind above mentioned, or set apart as such by the deed of a testator, are intended for the mere support of the recipient, and are not attachable by creditors.