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.