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