An allowance made to a wife out of her husband's estate or income for her support, upon her divorce or legal separation from him, or during a suit for the same
Alimony is money that a court of law orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after they have got divorced. Compare palimony. money that a court orders someone to pay regularly to their former wife or husband after their marriage has ended maintenance (alimonia , from alere; ALIMENTARY CANAL)