From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
entertainment
n 1: an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
[syn: entertainment, amusement]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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.
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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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