GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   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.]
   To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep.
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   You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred.
   Shak.
   
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   To give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest.
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   Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained unawares.
   Heb. xiii. 2.
   
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   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.
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   The weary time she can not entertain.
   Shak.
   
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   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.
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   I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke.
   De Quincey.
   
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   A rumor gained ground, -- and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people.
   Hawthorne.
   
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   To meet or encounter, as an enemy. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
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   To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.
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   To lead on; to bring along; to introduce. [Obs.]
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   To baptize all nations, and entertain them into the services institutions of the holy Jesus.
   Jer. Taylor.
   Syn. -- To amuse; divert; maintain. See Amuse.
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2.       
   Entertain , v. i. To receive, or provide entertainment for, guests; as, he entertains generously.
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3.       
   Entertain, n. [Cf. F. entretien, fr. entretenir.] Entertainment. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
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