[en.ter.tain] vb [ME entertinen, fr. MF entretenir, fr. entre- inter- + tenir to hold--more at tenable] vt (15c) 1 a archaic: maintain b obs: receive
2: to show hospitality to 3 a: to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind "I ~ grave doubts about her sincerity" b: to receive and take into consideration "refused to ~ our plea"
4: to provide entertainment for
5: to play against (an opposing team) on one's home field or court ~ vi: to provide entertainment esp. for guests syn see amuse -- en.ter.tain.er n