to be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep.-to give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest.-to engage the attention of agreeably; to amuse with that which makes the time pass pleasantly; to divert; as, to entertain friends with conversation, etc.-to give reception to; to receive, in general; to receive and take into consideration; to admit, treat, or make use of; as, to entertain a proposal.-to meet or encounter, as an enemy.-to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.-to lead on; to bring along; to introduce.-to receive, or provide entertainment for, guests; as, he entertains generously.-entertainment.