It means the lesser vehicle.
The school includes the followers of the original preaching of the Buddha. It is more of an orthodox school.
They did not believe in idol or image worship of Buddha.
They believe in individual salvation and try to attain individual salvation through self discipline and meditation.
The ultimate aim of Hinayana is thus nirvana.
One of the sub-sects of Hinayana is Sthaviravada or Theravada.
The Hinayana scholars used Pali language to interact with the masses.
Emperor Ashoka patronised Hinayana sect as Mahayana school came into being much later.
Hinayana school in its original form is almost non-existent in the present age.