The term 'ASK ALMS' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: BEG (3 letters), ARCA (4 letters), and BEGS (4 letters). BEG is an acronym for the verb 'BEG', which means to ask for something, usually money or food, in a humble or desperate manner. ARCA is an acronym for the Latin phrase 'elemosynarius arca', which translates to 'alms box'. An alms box is a container used to collect donations of money or food for the poor. Finally, BEGS is an acronym for the verb 'begs', which is the present tense form of 'BEG'. Therefore, the term 'ASK ALMS' can be summarized as asking for donations of money or food in a humble or desperate manner.