entertainment

n. [ Cf. OF. entretenement. ] 1. The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or cherishing; hospitable reception; also, reception or treatment, in general. [ 1913 Webster ]

The entertainment of Christ by faith. Baxter. [ 1913 Webster ]

The sincere entertainment and practice of the precepts of the gospel. Bp. Sprat. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which entertains, or with which one is entertained; as: (a) Hospitality; hospitable provision for the wants of a guest; especially, provision for the table; a hospitable repast; a feast; a formal or elegant meal. (b) That which engages the attention agreeably, amuses or diverts, whether in private, as by conversation, etc., or in public, by performances of some kind; amusement. [ 1913 Webster ]

Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Admission into service; service. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some band of strangers in the adversary's entertainment. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Payment of soldiers or servants; wages. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The entertainment of the general upon his first arrival was but six shillings and eight pence. Sir J. Davies.

Syn. -- Amusement; diversion; recreation; pastime; sport; feast; banquet; repast; carousal. [ 1913 Webster ]