guesthouse

The word 'guesthouse' is a transparent compound formed from two native English roots. 'Guest' originates from the Old English giest, which carried the dual meaning of both 'stranger' and 'visitor', reflecting a time when hospitality towards travelers was a crucial social duty. 'House' derives from the equally ancient Old English hūs, denoting a dwelling or shelter. The compound logically combines these elements to specify a 'house for guests', evolving from the general concept of receiving visitors into the modern, more commercial sense of a paid lodging establishment, often smaller and more personal than a hotel.

Structure: guest + house guest: From Old English giest (stranger, visitor, guest), of Proto-Germanic origin; functions as a noun root specifying the type of person. house: From Old English hūs (dwelling, shelter, building), of Proto-Germanic origin; functions as a noun root specifying the type of building or structure.