alimony

 
Pronunciation: /ˈalɪməni/

noun

[mass noun] chiefly North American
  • a husband’s (or wife’s) provision for a spouse after separation or divorce; maintenance: he is said to have paid $300,000 alimony to his first wife

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'nourishment, means of subsistence'): from Latin alimonia 'nutriment', from alere 'nourish'