Ĕn'ter-tāin'ment, n.

n. [O. Fr. entretenement.]

1Sense 1. The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or cherishing. “The provision made for their entertainment.” Trench. “The entertainment of Christ by faith.” Baxter.

2Sense 2. That which entertains, or with which one is entertained; as, (a.) Hospitable provision for the wants of a guest; especially, provision of the table; a hospitable repast; a feast; a formal or elegant meal; as, a luxurious entertainment. (b.) That which engages the attention agreeably, amuses or diverts, whether in private, as by conversation, &c., or in public, by performances of some kind; as, a theatrical or musical entertainment.

Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement. Prescott.

(c.) Maintenance in requital of service; pay; wages; compensation. [Obs.]

The captains did covenant with the king to serve him . . . for certain wages and entertainment. Davies.

Synonyms—Amusement; diversion; recreation; pastime; sport; reception; admission; feast; banquet; repast; carousal.