/hos"pis/ , n.
1. a house of shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers, etc., esp. one kept by a religious order.
2. Med.
a. a health-care facility for the terminally ill that emphasizes pain control and emotional support for the patient and family, typically refraining from taking extraordinary measures to prolong life.
b. a similar program of care and support for the terminally ill at home.
[ 1810-20; hospitium HOSPITIUM ]