1. A program that provides palliative care and attends to the emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients.
2. Shelter or lodging for travelers, pilgrims, or the destitute, especially one maintained by a monastic order.
Etymology: early 1800s, from French "rest house for travelers". The modern sense of hospice care began around 1950, although the concept has been around since at least the 11th century.
