HOSPITAL, popularly SPITAL, a place or building erected, out of charity, for the reception and support of the poor, aged, infirm, sick, and otherwise helpless. The word is formed of the Latin hospes, "host, stranger." See Host.
In the ages of the church, the bishop had the immediate charge of all the poor, both found and diseased, as also of widows, orphans, strangers, &c.—When the churches came to have fixed revenues allotted them, it was decreed, that at least one fourth part thereof should go to the relief of the poor; and to provide for them the more commodiously, divers houses of charity were built, which are since denominated hospitals. They were governed wholly by the priests and deacons, under the inspection of the bishop. In course of time, separate revenues were assigned for the hospitals; and particular persons, out of motives of piety and charity, gave lands and money for erecting of hospitals. When the church discipline began to relax, the priests, who till then had been the administrators of hospitals, converted them into a sort of benefices, which they held at pleasure, without giving account thereof to any body; reserving the greatest part of the income to their own use; so that the intentions of the founders were frustrated.—To remove this abuse, the council of Vienne expressly prohibited the giving any hospital to secular priests in the way of a benefice; and directed the administration thereof to be given to sufficient and responsible laymen, who should take an oath, like that of tutors, for the faithful discharge thereof, and be accountable to the ordinaries.—This decree was executed and confirmed by the council of Trent.
In Britain, hospitals are buildings properly endowed, or otherwise supported by charitable contributions, for the reception and support of the poor, aged, infirm, sick, or helpless.
A charitable foundation laid thus for the sustenance and relief of the poor, is to continue for ever. Any person seized of an estate in fee, may, by deed enrolled in chancery, erect and found an hospital, and nominate such heads and governors therein as he shall think fit; and this charitable foundation shall be incorporated, and subject to the inspection and guidance of the heads and visitors nominated by the founder. Likewise such corporations shall have, take, and pur-
chase lands, so as not to exceed 200l. a year, provided the same be not held of the king; and to make leases, referring the accustomed yearly rent. See CORPORATION.