Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Entertainment?

\En`ter*tain"ment\, 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. The entertainment of Christ by faith. --Baxter. The sincere entertainment and practice of the precepts of the gospel. --Bp. Sprat. 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. Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater elegance and refinement. --Prescott. 3. Admission into service; service. Some band of strangers in the adversary's entertainment. --Shak. 4. Payment of soldiers or servants; wages. [Obs.] 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.