Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Hospital
Hos′pi-tal
,Noun.
1.
A place for shelter or entertainment; an inn.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
2.
A building in which the sick, injured, or infirm are received and treated; a public or private institution founded for reception and cure, or for the refuge, of persons diseased in body or mind, or disabled, infirm, or dependent, and in which they are treated either at their own expense, or more often by charity in whole or in part; a tent, building, or other place where the sick or wounded of an army cared for.
Hospital ship
, a vessel fitted up for a floating hospital.
– Hospital Sunday
, a Sunday set apart for simultaneous contribution in churches to hospitals; as, the London Hospital Sunday.
Hos′pi-tal
,Adj.
[L.
hospitalis
: cf. OF. hospital
.] Hospitable.
[Obs.]
Howell.
Webster 1828 Edition
Hospital
HOS'PITAL
,Noun.
1.
A building appropriated for the reception of sick,infirm and helpless paupers,who are supported and nursed by charity; also, a house for the reception of insane persons, whether paupers or not, or for seamen, soldiers, foundlings, &c. who are supported by the public, or by private charity, or for infected persons, &c.2.
A place for shelter or entertainment.HOS'PITAL
,Adj.