hos·tel·ry \ˈhästəlrē sometimes ˈhäsəl-\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English ostelrie, hostelrie, from Middle French ostelerie, hostelerie, from ostel, hostel + -erie -ery : a place where food and lodging are available to the traveler : inn, hotel < a large wooden-porched building with mansard roof is a typical hostelry of the Civil War period — American Guide Series: Vermont >