Hostler

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]

1827 drawing of an ostler at Keston Cross
Ostler at Margam, 1818

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 directs trucks or tractors at vehicle parking or docking areas to move, position, or park trucks or trailers.[3]

In the United States railroad industry a hostler is a train driver, a type of railroad engineer who moves locomotives in and out of service facilities.[4][5]

References
  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.
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