Al"i*ment (?), n. [L. alimentum, fr.
alere to nourish; akin to Goth. alan to grow, Icel.
ala to nourish: cf. F. aliment. See Old.]
1. That which nourishes; food; nutriment; anything
which feeds or adds to a substance in natural growth. Hence: The
necessaries of life generally: sustenance; means of support.
Aliments of their sloth and weakness.
Bacon.
2. An allowance for maintenance. [Scot.]
Al"i*ment, v. t. 1. To
nourish; to support.
2. To provide for the maintenance of.
[Scot.]