HOSTLER

In Norman and old English law, this was the title of the officer in a monastery charged with the entertainment of guests. It was also applied (until about the time of Queen Elizabeth) to an innkeeper, and afterwards, when the keeping of horses at livery became a distinct occupation, to the keeper of a livery stable, and then (under the modern form “ostler”) to the groom in charge of the stables of an inn. Cromwell v. Stephens, 2 Daly (N. Y.) 20. In the language of railroading, an “ostler” or “hostler” at a roundhouse is one whose duty it is to receive locomotives as they come in from the road, care for them in the roundhouse, and have them cleaned and ready for departure when wanted. Railroad Co. v. Masslg, 50 111. App. 666; Railroad Go. v. Ashling, 34 111. App. 105; Grannis v. Railroad Co., 81 Iowa, 444, 46 N. W. 1067.