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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)