ALIMENTS. In the Roman and French law this word signifies the food and other
things necessary to the support of life, as clothing and the like. The same
name is given to the money allowed for aliments. Dig. 50, 16, 43.
2. By the common law, parents and children reciprocally owe each other
aliments or maintenance. (q.v.) Vide 1 Bl. Com. 447; Merl. Rep. h.t.; Dig.
25, 3, 5. In the common law, the word alimony (q.v.) is used. Vide Allowance
to a Prisoner.