n. 1 a a space or passage into which the front entrance of a house etc. opens. b US a corridor or passage in a building. 2 a a large room or building for meetings, meals, concerts, etc. b (in pl.) music-halls. 3 a large country house, esp. with a landed estate. 4 (in full hall of residence) a university residence for students. 5 a (in a college etc.) a common dining-room. b dinner in this. 6 the building of a guild (Fishmongers' Hall). 7 a a large public room in a palace etc. b the principal living-room of a medieval house. Hall of Fame US a building with memorials of celebrated people. hall porter Brit. a porter who carries baggage etc. in a hotel. hall-stand a stand in the hall of a house, with a mirror, pegs, etc.
[ OE = hall f. Gmc, rel. to HELL ]