n. pl. al·i·mo·nies 1. Law An allowance for support made under court order to a divorced person by the former spouse, usually the chief provider during the marriage. Alimony may also be granted without a divorce, as between legally separated persons. 2. A means of livelihood; maintenance. [Latin alimōnia, sustenance, from alere, to nourish; see al-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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