a French term, anciently signifying a house or dwelling place.—It is now more commonly used for the palaces or houses of the kings, princes, and great lords. In this sense they say, the hotel de Conde, hotel de Conti, hotel du Louvre, &c.

The grand provost de l'hotel, is the first judge of the officers of the king's household. His jurisdiction is much like that of lord steward of the household of the king of England.

The hotel de ville is what we call a town-house or town-hall.

Hotel, is likewise used for a large inn, also for a large lodging-house ready furnished.