Entertain /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Entertained; p. pr. & vb. n. Entertaining

1. To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep.

   You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred.

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

   Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained unawares.

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.

   The weary time she can not entertain.

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.

   I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke.

   A rumor gained ground, -- and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people.

5. To meet or encounter, as an enemy. [Obs.]
6. To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.
7. To lead on; to bring along; to introduce. [Obs.]

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

1. To receive, or provide entertainment for, guests; as, he entertains generously.

1. Entertainment. [Obs.]