Definition of entertain

• v. t. - To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep.
• v. t. - To give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest.
• v. t. - 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.
• v. t. - 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.
• v. t. - To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
• v. t. - To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.
• v. t. - To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.
• v. i. - To receive, or provide entertainment for, guests; as, he entertains generously.
• n. - Entertainment.