/hawl/ , n.
1. a corridor or passageway in a building.
2. the large entrance room of a house or building; vestibule; lobby.
3. a large room or building for public gatherings; auditorium: convention hall; concert hall.
4. a large building for residence, instruction, or other purposes, at a college or university.
5. a college at a university.
6. (in English colleges)
a. a large room in which the members and students dine.
b. dinner in such a room.
7. Brit. a mansion or large residence, esp. one on a large estate.
8. Brit. Informal. See music hall .
9. the chief room in a medieval castle or similar structure, used for eating, sleeping, and entertaining.
10. the castle, house, or similar structure of a medieval chieftain or noble.
11. Southeastern U.S. ( older use ). the living room or family room of a house.
[ bef. 900; ME; OE heall; c. ON holl, G Halle; akin to OE helan to cover, hide, L celare to hide (see CONCEAL) ]