noun

1. Obsolete
   1. the great central room in the dwelling of a king or chieftain, where banquets, games, etc. were held
   2. the dwelling itself
2. the main dwelling on the estate of a baron, squire, etc.
3. a building containing public offices or the headquarters of an organization, for transacting business, holding meetings, etc.
4. a large public or semipublic room for gatherings, entertainments, etc.
5. a college dormitory, classroom building, eating center, etc.
6. a passageway or room between the entrance and the interior of a building; vestibule, foyer, or lobby
7. a passageway or area onto which rooms open

Etymology: ME halle < OE heall (akin to Ger halle), lit., that which is covered < base of helan, to cover < IE base *kel-, to cover > hell, L celare, to conceal