Hostler

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A hostler or ostler /ˈɒstlər/ is a groom or stableman, who is employed in a stable to take care of horses, usually at an inn.[1] Today the word has acquired additional meanings, particularly in the railroad industry.[1]

Etymology

The word is spelled "hostler" in American English, but "ostler" in British English. It traces to c.1386, meaning "one who tends to horses at an inn" - and also, occasionally, "innkeeper" - is derived from Anglo-French hostiler (modern French hostelier), itself from Medieval Latin hostilarius "the monk who entertains guests at a monastery", from hospitale "inn" (compare hospital, hospitaller, hospitality).[2] A similar word, hostelero (innkeeper, the one that took care of a hostal), exists in Spanish.

Modern uses

According to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, a hostler in motor transportation is a type of truck driver who drives trucks or tractors at vehicle parking or docking area to move, position, or park trucks or trailers.[3]

In the United States railroad industry a hostler is a type of railroad engineer who drives electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotive to designated stations in railroad roundhouse to be cleaned, serviced, or repaired.[4][5]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Hostler - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. 2012-08-31. Retrieved 2013-03-12. 
  2. ↑ EtymologyOnLine- Hostler
  3. ↑ "909.663-010: HOSTLER (motor trans.) alternate titles: hook-up driver; yard spotter". Dictionary Of Occupational Titles. Retrieved 2013-01-20. 
  4. ↑ "910.683-010: HOSTLER (r.r. trans.)". Dictionary Of Occupational Titles. Retrieved 2013-01-20. 
  5. ↑ "Rail Transportation Occupations". Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 19 February 2011. 

External links

Look up hostler or ostler in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
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