/ ˈhɒstl; NAmE ˈhɑːstl/ noun
1.
a building that provides cheap accommodation and meals to students, workers or travellers
—see also youth hostel
2.
( BrE ) (also shel·ter NAmE , BrE ) a building, usually run by a charity, where people who have no home can stay for a short time :
a hostel for the homeless
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the general sense lodging, place to stay) : from Old French , from medieval Latin hospitale , neuter of Latin hospitalis hospitable, from hospes , hospit- host, guest.