n. & v.
n. 1 a person who receives or entertains another as a guest. 2 the landlord of an inn (mine host). 3 Biol. an animal or plant having a parasite or commensal. 4 an animal or person that has received a transplanted organ etc. 5 the compère of a show, esp. of a television or radio programme.
v.tr. act as host to (a person) or at (an event).
[ ME f. OF oste f. L hospes -pitis host, guest ]