noun

1. Obsolete
   1. a place of shelter and rest for travelers, etc.
   2. a charitable institution for providing and caring for the aged, infirm, orphaned, etc.: now only in names
2. an institution providing medical, surgical, or psychiatric testing and treatment for people who are ill, injured, pregnant, etc. on an inpatient, outpatient, or emergency care basis: often involved with public health programs, research, medical education, etc.: in British English, usually without an article when preceded by a preposition
3. Informal a repair shop for dolls, clocks, or other small items

Etymology: ME < OFr < LL hospitale, a house, inn < L (cubiculum) hospitale, guest (room), neut. of hospitalis, of a guest < hospes: see hospice