n. [ OE. hosteler, osteler, innkeeper, OF. hostelier, F. hôtelier. See Hostel, and cf. Hospitaler, Hosteler. ] 1. An innkeeper. [ Obs. ] See Hosteler. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The person who has the care of horses at an inn or stable; hence, any one who takes care of horses; a groom; -- so called because the innkeeper formerly attended to this duty in person. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Railroad) The person who takes charge of a locomotive when it is left by the engineer after a trip. [ 1913 Webster ]