Legal Definitions - spital

Spital is an archaic term that refers to a hospital. In historical contexts, it was used to denote an institution providing care for the sick, the poor, or the infirm, often with a charitable or religious foundation. While no longer in common use, the term might appear in historical documents, legal texts, or literature from past centuries.

• Example 1: A Medieval Will
  A wealthy landowner's last will and testament from the 15th century might include a clause stating, "I bequeath ten acres of fertile land to the local spital for the perpetual care of the indigent sick."

  Explanation: This example illustrates the term's use in a historical legal document, specifically a will, where "spital" clearly refers to a charitable institution providing medical care, much like a modern hospital for the poor.

• Example 2: Historical Building Description
  An architectural historian describing a centuries-old building in London might note, "This structure, originally built in the 14th century, served as a spital dedicated to pilgrims and travelers before its conversion into a private residence during the Tudor period."

  Explanation: Here, "spital" denotes the original function of a physical building, indicating it was a place of lodging and care for specific groups, akin to a specialized hospital or hospice of its time.

• Example 3: Ancient Municipal Records
  Minutes from a 17th-century town council meeting might record a discussion about "the urgent need for funds to repair the roof of the town's spital, which houses those afflicted by the plague."

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates "spital" being used in official municipal records to refer to a public health institution responsible for treating contagious diseases, functioning as the community's hospital during an epidemic.