/hos"pi tl/ , n.
1. an institution in which sick or injured persons are given medical or surgical treatment.
2. a similar establishment for the care of animals.
3. a repair shop for specific portable objects: violin hospital; doll hospital.
4. Brit. an institution supported by charity or taxes for the care of the needy, as an orphanage or old people's home.
[ 1250-1300; ME hospitale hospitalis hospitable, equiv. to hospit- (see HOSPITIUM) + -alis -AL 1 ]