noun
or spit·tle ˈspid. ə l, -it ə l
( -s )
Etymology: spital alteration (influenced by hospital ) of spittle, from Middle English spitel, modification of Medieval Latin hospitale, from Late Latin, hospice — more at hospital
: lazaretto , hospital ; especially : a charitable institution of a lower class than a hospital for the needy, aged, or infirm