1. n.1 (usu. foll. by of) a large number of people or things.
2 archaic an army.
3 (in full heavenly host) Bibl. a the sun, moon, and stars. b the angels.
Phrases and idioms:
host (or hosts) of heaven sense 3 of n. is a host in himself can do as much as several ordinary people. Lord (or Lord God) of hosts God as Lord over earthly or heavenly armies.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L hostis stranger, enemy, in med.L 'army' 2. 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 comp{egrave}re of a show, esp. of a television or radio programme.
--v.tr. act as host to (a person) or at (an event).
Etymology: ME f. OF oste f. L hospes -pitis host, guest 3. n. the bread consecrated in the Eucharist.
Etymology: ME f. OF (h)oiste f. L hostia victim