'almsful' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ælmesse,' where 'æl-' meant 'alms' and '-ful' meant 'full of.'

'ælmesse' transformed into the Middle English word 'almes,' and eventually became the modern English word 'almsful.'

Initially, it meant 'full of alms or charity,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.