ˌentə(r)ˈtānmənt noun
( -s )
1. : the act of entertaining: as
a. : the act of receiving as a guest : hospitable reception
delighted in entertainment of friends and relatives
b. : the act of receiving or considering (as an idea or proposal)
his serious entertainment of angelology … reveals the complications of a too strictly biblical theology — L.W.Norris
c. : the act of diverting, amusing, or causing someone's time to pass agreeably : amusement
engaged a concern pianist for the entertainment of her guests
started a brisk argument for the entertainment of the company
2.
a. archaic : the manner or means of providing for the needs of someone (as a guest or lodger) : provision
ten pounds is the usual pension in these convents; but nothing can be more wretched than their entertainment — Tobias Smollett
b. obsolete : the condition of being in someone's service : employment
c. obsolete : provision for the support of persons in service : pay
3. : something that diverts, amuses, or occupies the attention agreeably
this book is first-rate entertainment
provide entertainment for his guests, whimsical as well as culinary — O.S.J.Gogarty
a serious novel as opposed to an entertainment — Times Literary Supplement
the stream of life is the most permanently available of free entertainments — Fred Majdalany
as
a. : a social gathering or reception
last night another of these pleasant social entertainments was given … at her home — D.D.Martin
b. : a public performance designed to divert or amuse
Negro orchestras are in demand at white entertainments — American Guide Series: Florida
still frequently produced at school or Sunday-school entertainments — H.H.Reichard