entertain

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Entertained p. pr. & vb. n. Entertaining. ] [ F. entretenir; entre between (L. inter) + tenir to hold, L. tenere. See Tenable. ] 1. To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep. [ 1913 Webster ]

You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest. [ 1913 Webster ]

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained unawares. Heb. xiii. 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To engage the attention of agreeably; to amuse with that which makes the time pass pleasantly; to divert; as, to entertain friends with conversation, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

The weary time she can not entertain. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To give reception to; to receive, in general; to receive and take into consideration; to admit, treat, or make use of; as, to entertain a proposal. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

A rumor gained ground, -- and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people. Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To meet or encounter, as an enemy. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. To lead on; to bring along; to introduce. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To baptize all nations, and entertain them into the services institutions of the holy Jesus. Jer. Taylor.

Syn. -- To amuse; divert; maintain. See Amuse. [ 1913 Webster ]