— hostess-ship , n.
/hoh"stis/ , n.
1. a woman who receives and entertains guests in her own home or elsewhere.
2. a woman employed in a restaurant or place of amusement to receive, seat, or assist patrons.
3. a woman who acts as master of ceremonies, moderator, or interviewer for a television or radio program; host.
4. a woman employed by an airline, railroad, bus company, etc., to see that passengers are comfortable throughout a trip, usually receiving and seating them, and sometimes serving them refreshments.
5. a woman who manages a resort or hotel or who directs its social activities.
6. See taxi dancer .
v.t.
7. to be the hostess at (a reception, dinner, etc.): She will hostess a shower for the new bride.
8. to act as hostess at, to, or for: She volunteered to hostess the garden club next season.
v.i.
9. to perform the duties or functions of a hostess.
[ 1250-1300; ME ( h ) ostesse 1 , -ESS ]
Usage . See -ess .