\En`ter*tain"ment\, n. [Cf. OF. entretenement.]
1. The act of receiving as host, or of amusing, admitting, or
   cherishing; hospitable reception; also, reception or
   treatment, in general.
         The entertainment of Christ by faith. --Baxter.
         The sincere entertainment and practice of the
         precepts of the gospel.               --Bp. Sprat.
2. That which entertains, or with which one is entertained;
   as:
   (a) Hospitality; hospitable provision for the wants of a
       guest; especially, provision for the table; a
       hospitable repast; a feast; a formal or elegant meal.
   (b) That which engages the attention agreeably, amuses or
       diverts, whether in private, as by conversation, etc.,
       or in public, by performances of some kind; amusement.
             Theatrical entertainments conducted with greater
             elegance and refinement.          --Prescott.
3. Admission into service; service.
         Some band of strangers in the adversary's
         entertainment.                        --Shak.
4. Payment of soldiers or servants; wages. [Obs.]
         The entertainment of the general upon his first
         arrival was but six shillings and eight pence. --Sir
                                               J. Davies.
Syn: Amusement; diversion; recreation; pastime; sport; feast;
     banquet; repast; carousal.