·noun An innkeeper. [Obs.] ·see Hosteler.
II. Hostler ·noun The person who takes charge of a locomotive when it is left by the engineer after a trip.
III. Hostler ·noun The person who has the care of horses at an inn or stable; hence, any one who takes care of horses; a groom;
— so called because the innkeeper formerly attended to this duty in person.