entertainv.

Brit.

/ˌɛntəˈteɪn/, U.S.

/ˌɛn(t)ərˈteɪn/

Forms:

α. late Middle English entertien, late Middle English entretene, late Middle English entreteyne, late Middle English entretiene, late Middle English entretyn, late Middle English–1600s enterteyne, 1500s entertane, 1500s enterteigne, 1500s enterteinn, 1500s entertene, 1500s enterteygn, 1500s entretaigne, 1500s entreteyn, 1500s–1600s entertayn, 1500s–1600s entertayne, 1500s–1600s entertean, 1500s–1600s entertein, 1500s–1600s enterteine, 1500s–1600s enterteyn, 1500s–1600s entertyn, 1500s–1700s entertaine, 1500s– entertain, 1600s enterteign; Scottish pre-1700 entertanie, pre-1700 enterteany, pre-1700 entertenie, pre-1700 entertenyr, pre-1700 entretene, pre-1700 entretennie, pre-1700 entyrteny, 1700s entertene, 1800s enterteen.

β. 1500s interteigne, 1500s interteygne, 1500s–1600s intertaine, 1500s–1600s intertayn, 1500s–1600s intertayne, 1500s–1600s intertein, 1500s–1600s interteine, 1500s–1600s interteyn, 1500s–1600s interteyne, 1500s–1700s intertain, 1600s intertane; also Scottish pre-1700 intertaing, pre-1700 intertane, pre-1700 intertang, pre-1700 intertany, pre-1700 interteain, pre-1700 intertean, pre-1700 interteane, pre-1700 interteany, pre-1700 interteinnie, pre-1700 interten, pre-1700 interteney, pre-1700 intertenie, pre-1700 intertennie, pre-1700 interteny, pre-1700 intertenye, pre-1700 intertine, pre-1700 intertiney, pre-1700 intertinnie, pre-1700 intertyn, pre-1700 intertynie.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French entretenir.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French entretenir (French entretenir ) to support (each other) (1155 in Old French; reflexive), to be linked to each other, to be entwined (late 12th cent.), to keep (a person, group, etc.) in a certain state or condition (late 14th cent., frequently e.g. in entretenir en paix ), to keep up, keep going, maintain (a state of things, activity, process, attitude) (early 15th cent.), to keep (a thing) in good or working condition (early 15th cent.), to maintain or support (a person) with money or necessities (early 15th cent., originally with reference to paying soldiers' wages), to converse with (a person) (mid 15th cent.; frequently with the topic of conversation in a de -clause), to have or keep (a person) in one's employment or service (late 15th cent.), to maintain friendly relations with (late 15th cent.; reflexive), to receive (a person) as a guest (late 15th cent.) < entre- enter- prefix + tenir to hold (see tenant n.).Compare post-classical Latin intertenere to maintain, sustain (from 15th cent. in British and continental sources), and also Old Occitan entretenir (13th cent.), Catalan entretenir (second half of the 16th cent.), Spanish entretener , Italian intrattenere (both 15th cent.). Forms. The forms probably partly reflect variation in the stem of the French verb; compare forms and see further discussion at maintain v., and compare also contain v., detain v., pertain v., retain v., sustain v. The Older Scots form entertenyr unusually appears to preserve the Middle French infinitive ending -ir . With the β. forms compare inter- prefix.

I. To maintain, sustain, keep up.

a. transitive. To keep up, maintain (a state of things, a process); to keep going, continue with (an action, practice, attitude, etc.). Now somewhat archaic.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] > continue a use or practice

keepc1315

entertain?c1452

retain1481

to summer and winter1602

sustain1602

?c1452 in Paston Lett. (1904) I. 105 Thus he brake the seide trues ayeinst his promysse and true feith made to youre highnes, which was to kepe and entretyn the said trues.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos vii. sig. Ciiij To enterteyne hir pudyque chastyte in perpetuall wydowhed.

?1548 tr. P. Viret Verie Familiare Expos. Art. Christian Faieth sig. N.iiii The satisfaction that I make vnto the churche whyche serueth not but to entertayne hyr discipline, and to auoide sclaunders.

1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1375/1 I interteined intelligence with the Scotish queene.

1599 M. Drayton Idea in Englands Heroicall Epist. (new ed.) Ded. sig. P2 ^v My Muse..cannot long one Fashion intertaine.

1608 E. Grimeston tr. J. F. Le Petit Gen. Hist. Netherlands xiv. 1091 Assist the other confederates..without dissimulation: Entertayning good amitie and correspondence.

a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1677) v. 253 Morton..entertained a long fight with them.

1757 T. Shaw Trav. Barbary & Levant (ed. 2) i. iv. 23 The inhabitants entertain a tradition, that formerly the kings of Tlem-san took here.

1794 J. Hutton Diss. Philos. Light 182 This heat, in the burning body, is entertained by the extrication of light.

1825 R. Southey Tale of Paraguay iii. 18 The Empress Queen..did not disdain..to entertain Discourse with him.

1845 Amer. Rev. Mar. 290/2 All the intellectual races..entertain traditions, which ally them either with the Indian or with the Semetic descent.

1860 J. L. Motley Hist. Netherlands (1868) I. iv. 111 Philip..might direct all his energies towards entertaining civil war in France.

1917 Harper's Mag. Dec. 302/1 We have entertained the custom of writing, at this time of the year, a Christmas Study.

2013 E. Schoorl J.-B. Say x. 160 The two economists entertained a correspondence, published posthumously.

2017 P. Slotte in M. Koskenniemi et al. Internat. Law & Relig. ix. 200 As a child, Hammarskjöld entertained a friendship with the daughter of the Archbishop.

†b. transitive. To keep (a thing) in good or working condition; to undertake or perform the maintenance of. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in proper condition

feeda1000

sustaina1325

keepa1382

entertain1477

uphold1511

upkeep1926

1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 96 And for to entretiene his astate were ordeyned certayn nombre of peple.

1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) iii. 21 (heading) This puissaunt kynge..assigned grete reuenues therto for tentretene it [sc. the Temple].

1586 T. Bright Treat. Melancholie ii. 5 These varieties of humours are entertained by nourishmentes.

1609 E. Grimeston tr. J. F. Le Petit Low-Country Common Wealth 160 The ordinary charge to repaire and entertaine them [sc. dykes], is very great.

1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) i. 56 Its [sc. a bridge] entertained at the cost of the King of Spayne.

†c. transitive. To provide for the financial or material needs of (a person); to maintain or support with money or necessities. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in existence or maintain > specifically a person or vital functions

support?1551

entertain1559

1559 in D. H. Fleming Reg. Christian Congregation St. Andrews (1889) I. 27 The said Williame Rantoun sall maynteyne, triet, and intertiney, the said Elizabeth Gedde,..as becummis ane husband on all behalfis to triet his wyfe.

1640 Bk. War Comm. Covenanters 67 Sex musqueteires and ane sergand to be enterteanit upon the publict.

1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 55 Hermogenes, whom falling into poverty, Socrates perswaded Diodorus his friend to entertain.

a1657 J. Balfour Hist. Wks. (1824) II. 145 That also they take order for intertaining the poore in ilk parochin.

1703 Duke of Queensberry in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) IV. 240 I thought it necessary to entertain him with some money.

1771 Antiq. Sarisb., Lives Bps. 169 Ten widows of Clergymen are here entertained, with a very comfortable provision.

†2. transitive. To keep in a certain state or condition; to keep (a person) in a certain frame of mind. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

sustainc1300

keepc1315

maintainc1390

conservea1425

continuec1460

entertain1490

persevere1502

uphold?1523

containa1538

petrifya1631

conservate1647

to keep on1669

to keep up1670

preserve1677

support1696

fix1712

ossify1800

fossilize1848

1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xiii. sig. Diiij His swete wordes and drawynge, that atysen and enterteyne her in a contynualle thoughte towarde hym.

a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 127 Hys owne clyent..was interteynyd in long sute.

1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Life Agricola in tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. 247 By a kinde of courteous and mild regiment intertained the cuntrey in quiet.

1609 S. Grahame Anat. Humors To Rdr. sig. A4 If thou finde thy selfe in faire colours, then be carefull how to entertaine thy selfe in the true Luister.

1664 in G. Miege Relation of Three Embassies (1669) 386 The Fidelity and Prudence of their Ministers seems rather made to entertain them in mutual Cautele and Suspicion.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 245 Cromwell was certainly fond of her, and she took care to entertain him in it.

3. transitive. To have or keep (a person) in one's employment or service; to pay (a person) for work done or services rendered. Frequently with in. Cf. sense 11. Now historical and rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ > retain in one's service

employ1523

entertain1549

to have (one) in fee1756

society > authority > subjection > service > servant > retainer or follower > be a retainer or follower of [verb (transitive)] > keep retainers

to make a retinue1399

entertain1549

1549 Proclam. Edward VI 6 Apr. in All Proclam. sette Furthe (1551) f. xxxiiij Souldiors enterteined in his highnes wages.

1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Gloucester vii With princely wagies dyd me enterteyne.

1625 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 167 Two..Phisitions to bee interteyned and ymployed by this Cittie.

1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iii. 361 Notwithstanding so many labourers entertained in the work, seven years was this Temple in building.

1705 Observator 1 Sept. It is a Scandal for any Government to entertain so ill a Man in its Service.

1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting I. v. 113 No wonder when so many Italians were entertained in the King's service.

1831 Kaleidoscope 12 Apr. 325/1 She had been previously entertained in his service in the capacity of housemaid.

1916 Times of India 11 Apr. 9/2 The pay of a midwife nurse entertained at the Civil Hospital..for the two years 1915-16 and 1916-17.

1998 Law & Society Rev. 32 388 Special care was to be taken that the head of a family entertaining a servant should be well grounded in religion.

†4. transitive. To maintain friendly relations with (a person); to keep as a friend. Usually with implication of an ulterior motive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)]

to speak to ——c825

speakc950

to speak with ——971

to speak unto ——c1386

entertain1553

to stand with ——1564

wissel1571

discourse1677

dialogue1681

converse1718

1553 R. Burrant tr. Erasmus in Preceptes Cato (new ed.) sig. E.v^v It is better to entertein soche a feigned frende with faire wordes, then vtterly to make him thy enemie.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 720 He is a deepe dissimuler..entertayning all men for his awne profite.

1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. iv. 18 A friend is not to be entertained out of usefull or necessary Ends, nor when such fail, is to be cast off.

†II. To be held together physically.

5. intransitive. Of a number of things: to become or stay entwined together. Also transitive (in passive): (of a single thing) to be held intertwined among other things. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > intertwining or interweaving > intertwine or interweave [verb (intransitive)]

writhec1275

entertain1481

interlace1596

weave1613

lace1762

intertwine1782

interknit1818

the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [verb (transitive)] > coil or twist together

entertain1481

wreathe1553

wringle1572

weave1578

entwine1616

intertwine1641

encurl1647

betwine1661

intervolve1667

twine1679

interwind1693

implicate1826

interwreathe1866

thong1888

1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. x. sig. f7^v Ther ben also apple trees the whiche ben ful of longe apples..And they entretiene and cleue to gydre wel an hondred in a clustre.

1578 J. Banister Hist. Man viii. f. 111 An other lesser [nerve] trunke is intertained among the fore partes of the legge.

III. To receive, admit, take in, and related senses.

a. transitive. To receive as a guest in one's home, esp. for a meal or social gathering; to host; (also more generally) to show hospitality to; to invite or take out (a person, esp. a client or customer of a business) for food and drink.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > social event > hospitality > show hospitality to [verb (transitive)]

gestena1300

lodgec1325

cherishc1330

guestc1330

to give cheera1393

harbry14..

callc1430

uptakea1470

recueil1477

host1485

entertain1490

to set forth1526

harbour1534

retainc1540

treata1578

water1742

sport1826

have1868

hospitize1895

1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xx. sig. Eviii^v I haue delyuered them..and receyued in to my cyte, not onely receyued, but entreteyned, furnyshed and susteyned as them of my house.

1575 T. Tymme tr. A. Marlorat Catholike & Eccles. Expos. Iohn xi. 407/1 Let vs be frendly in entertaining our frends and ghestes.

c1600 Diurnal of Remarkable Occurrents (1833) 102 Directit be our souerane lady to intertynie the said ambassatour vntill hir cummyng.

1677 M. Hale Contempl. ii. 131 This World is little other than our Inn to entertain us in our Journey to another Life.

1733 Mrs. H. Pratt in Swift's Lett. (1768) IV. 55 I wish I had a house in some measure worthy to entertain a guest that should be so welcome to me.

1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall III. 16 Gregory was entertained in the house of a pious and charitable kinsman.

1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xvi. 267 The Emperor was entertained at dinner.

1913 Living Age 20 Sept. (front matter) (advt.) Splendidly equipped to entertain families and long-stay guests during the autumn and winter months.

1966 T. Capote In Cold Blood iv. 237 The opportunity to entertain his friend, play host as it were, delighted Perry.

1997 Men's Health Sept. 78/1 The client you're entertaining is determined to have a big blow out at your company's expense.

2004 EnRoute June 16/1 When today's in-crowd entertain guests in the garden, they serve..the kind of food you'd normally expect to find at a terrace café or bar in the Mediterranean.

b. intransitive. To receive a guest or guests; to show hospitality; esp. to host a number of guests at a meal or other social gathering.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > social event > hospitality > show hospitality [verb (intransitive)]

harbour1534

entertain1693

1693 N. Staphorst tr. L. Rauwolf Trav. Eastern Countries ii. x, in J. Ray Coll. Curious Trav. I. 214 These are good-hearted Christians, which have great Compassion on their Fellow-Christians, and love to entertain and to be kind to Strangers.

1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. x. 188 The Major had twice dined at the house of a ship-broker, a man who talked too much, and entertained well.

1852 C. Chesebro Isa xi. 162 She dresses well, dances well, entertains well—is chatty, agreeable, charming—and so are a thousand others just like her.

1880 Mrs. E. H. Edwards Pezazi in Macmillan's Mag. No. 253. 74 We were in such confusion..that we could not entertain.

a1915 W. D. Scott Men of Lett. (1917) 115 Marjorie becomes an impeccable hostess, entertains brilliantly.

1956 Rotarian Mar. 22 (title) We like to entertain—in Philadelphia.

2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 18 June 20/2 The most common refrain from the clients for any garden-make-over is that they want ‘somewhere to entertain’.

c. transitive. To treat (a guest) to a specified form of hospitality, esp. a shared meal.

ΚΠ

1759 tr. J.-J. Rousseau Let. to M. D'Alembert conc. Effects Theatr. Entertainm. 117 When their husbands entertained company to dinner, they seldom appeared at table.

1834 Scotsman 12 Mar. A number of subscribers..entertained to dinner Mr J. Alston, in Menzie's Commercial Tavern, Waterloo Place, as a mark of respect for his important services.

1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker xvii. 259 I was entertained to a sea-bathe, indiscriminate cocktails, a dinner, a hula-hula.

1924 Humorist 19 Jan. 629/2 A member of the Eccentric Club recently entertained a dozen friends to a ‘backwards’ dinner, starting with the liqueurs and ending with the cocktails.

1977 Jersey Evening Post 26 July 27/6 Mrs. Munro had entertained to tea at her home several elderly ladies who seldom get out and about.

2014 T. Blackman Vulcan Boys (2015) vi. 71 We were taken to a good hotel and were entertained to lunch by Salisbury Rotarians, a very pleasant way to welcome us.

†7. transitive. To behave towards or treat (a person, custom, etc.) in a specified manner. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > behave towards

ateec1000

leadc1175

makec1175

farec1230

beleadc1275

dightc1275

beseec1300

servec1300

treatc1374

usea1382

proceeda1393

demean1393

to deal witha1400

treatc1400

to do to ——a1425

entreat?a1425

handc1440

ferea1450

entertain1490

ray1509

to do unto ——?1523

tract1548

deal1573

to carry a strict (also severe, etc.) hand over (also upon, to)c1591

play1597

to comport with1675

to behave towards or to1754

usen1814

the world > action or operation > manner of action > [verb (transitive)] > deal with or treat > in a specific manner

ateec1000

makec1175

servec1300

manure1431

entertain1662

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 549 King charlemagn loveth vs moche and he entreteyneth vs above all other honourabli, for the love of you.

1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer ii. sig. Y.iiii Seeinge those Ladies enterteine him with such respect, and honour him so muche, they fell all in a laughyng.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) ii. iii. 72 I am sorry, that with reuerence I did not entertaine thee as thou art.

1630 Bp. J. Hall Occas. Medit. §lxix And intertained with all variety of Persecution.

1662 P. Gunning Paschal or Lent-Fast 44 Art thou rich? do not contumeliously entertain the [Lent] fast.

1707 J. Lacy Warnings Eternal Spirit: 3rd Pt. lix. 161 Which of the Prophets did not the World entertain, with the utmost Scorn and Indignation?

†8.

a. transitive. To admit, let in (a person); to accept or welcome into a place, group, etc. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (transitive)] > receive as visitor

underfo924

afangOE

underfonga1175

fangc1275

upfoa1300

seec1500

entertain1559

1559 W. Bavand tr. J. Ferrarius Common Weale iv. ii. f. 58^v Eresius..was interteined into Aristotles schole when he wente into Chalcis.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 659 Divers other..came humbly & submitted themselues, whome he gently enterteined & louingly receyued.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 121 Since mine owne doores refuse to entertaine me.

1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον i. 37 Ino..with her sonne Melicerta, were entertained into the number of the Sea-gods.

1649 R. Baxter Saints Everlasting Rest (1650) i. v. 47 If the King of Israel riding on an Ass, be entertained into Jerusalem with Hosanna's.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 382 Hell shall unfould, To entertain you two, her widest Gates.

1724 A. Gavin Master-key Popery i. 85 They entertain no body within the Gate of the College, so no body knows, what they do among themselves.

b. transitive. To receive or accept (something); esp. to receive or react to (news, events, etc.) in a specified manner. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)]

thiga864

takeOE

receivea1400

entertain1578

1578 J. Banister Hist. Man sig. B.i Let these my simple labours, whatsoeuer they are, be entertained in the handes of thee true, vertuous, and honest Artistes.

1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. O6 And beeing also informed with what great extremitie you haue entertained the newes of his losse.

1595 G. Markham Most Honorable Trag. Sir R. Grinuile sig. F4^v Abrahams faire bosome lyes to entertaine it [sc. thy soule].

1620 Pentelogia sig. N2^v, in F. Quarles Feast for Wormes Did thy cheekes entertaine a Traytors lips?

1698 G. Stanhope tr. Thomas à Kempis Christian's Pattern i. xxv. 74 We are to..entertain the most calamitous Accidents, without Murmuring or Discontent.

1753 E. Cobden Dissuasive from Popery 10 They will entertain your message with kindness.

1810 Christian Observer Nov. 676/1 Let us therefore inquire into the manner in which we entertain the news of a Saviour having been born.

c. transitive. To admit and contain (something) physically; to have the capacity for, to accommodate. Obsolete.Esp. in the context of harbours, bodies of water, etc., being large and deep enough to accommodate vessels of a particular size or in certain numbers.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] > admit into a receptacle

underfoa1100

receivea1400

entertain?1608

take1791

?1608 W. B. tr. A. Ortelius Theatrum Orbis Terrarum f. xxxj To become deepe and able to entertaine ships of good burden.

1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie i. sig. Bb2 The most safe and capacious Haven..capable of entertaining the greatest Navie.

1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 65 in Sylva Hot-beds to entertain..exoctic plants.

1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. iii. 40 Cut out so much Iron in the Fore and Backsides as would entertain the Main Spindle.

1721 J. Perry Acct. Stopping Daggenham Breach (title page) Rendering the Ports of Dover and Dublin Commodious for Entertaining large Ships.

1787 W. Davis Rep. Improvem. Harbour Dublin 13 A bason would be formed large enough to entertain 400 sail of ships.

a. transitive. To keep or hold on to (a feeling, conviction, etc.); to harbour, nurture, cherish; (also in weakened sense) to have or experience (a feeling).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > thought > think or have in mind [verb (transitive)] > cherish

breed?c1225

cherishc1385

entertain1567

nursle1746

nurture1792

reverie1832

1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxix. f. 322^v Gineura during all this time toke no rest, deuising how she might cutte of cleane hir loue entertained in Dom Diego.

1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 4 Nothing (blame and offence excepted) Can chaunce in the life of any man wherein horror is harboured, or feare intertained.

1673 Countess of Warwick Let. 30 July in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) IV. 353 I was not without som feares that you would not com, yet I had entertained such hopes of it.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 123. ¶5 Leonilla..entertained..a secret Passion for Florio.

1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives I. 313 The king entertained a deep resentment against him.

1827 W. Scott Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xii. 239 [She] perhaps for the moment actually entertained the purpose which she expressed.

1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches I. i. iv. 200 To learn from others, you must entertain a respect for them.

1908 E. M. Forster Room with View ii. 38 The feeling soon passed; it was unlike her to have entertained anything so subtle.

1970 J. Glassco Mem. Montparnasse xxii. 193 She entertained feelings of the purest and most venomous hatred.

2009 Winterthur Portfolio 43 271/1 All of them also entertained ambitions of cultural influence.

b. transitive. To give consideration to (an idea, request, etc.); to think about, contemplate.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > thought > think or have in mind [verb (transitive)]

holdOE

thinkOE

makea1400

carry1583

entertain1583

lodge1583

conceit?1589

reflect1611

braina1616

1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) 201 I straightlie inhibit you for your better thriuing, neuer once to enterteine one thoughte of Aurelia.

1605 Bp. J. Hall Medit. & Vowes II. §53 But I will suspect a nouell opinion of vntrueth; and not entertaine it, vnlesse [etc.].

1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. ii. xi. sig. P7^v Who thinks it not time to entertain thoughts of Death.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 128. ⁋7 I..have..entertained the Addresses of a Man who I thought lov'd me more than Life.

a1834 S. T. Coleridge Specimens of Table Talk (1835) II. 62 I so far entertained the proposal as to read the work through with great attention.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 409 That is a question which he refuses to entertain.

1885 Act 48 Vict. c. 17 §8 The case shall be stated and the appeal entertained and heard.

1931 Times Educ. Suppl. 10 Jan. 9/4 His application cannot be entertained unless he produces the actual matriculation certificate.

1993 J. Green It: Sex since Sixties 127 I never seriously entertained the idea I was gay.

2009 Vanity Fair Oct. 153/2 Virtually no one entertains the possibility of a world without the Times.

†10. transitive. To take on (a task or responsibility); to begin or engage in (an activity). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]

underfoc893

fandOE

onfangOE

undernimc1000

takec1175

to take tillc1175

to take toa1250

underfongc1330

undertakea1340

to take in (also on) handa1350

undertakec1385

attamec1386

to take in (also on) handc1390

embrace1393

emprisec1410

to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410

to go upon ——c1450

enterprise?1473

to set (one's) hand to1477

go?a1500

accept1524

assume1530

to hent in (also upon) handc1540

to swallow up1544

to take to task1546

to go into ——?1548

to set in hand1548

to fare about1563

entertain1569

undergo1606

to set about ——1611

to take up1660

to come at ——1901

1569 R. Crowley Setting open Subtyle Sophistrie T. Watson ii. 161 Our Communion..shall on the mariage day be interteyned of the Bridegromes father.

1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 98 Knowing them selues vnmeete to entertaine wedlocke.

1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 277 That the king should..with all speed possible entertain that honorable war.

1668 A. Marvell Let. 6 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 64 We onely made one order that the House would intertein no new businesse till it be calld over.

1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 10 Trade was first entertain'd..by little States.

†11. transitive. To take (a person) into one's service or employment; to hire, recruit, appoint. Also with into. Cf. sense 3. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ

hirec1000

i-bye10..

i-hirec1000

soldc1386

takea1400

retain1437

wage1465

conduct1476

fee1488

conduce1502

implya1533

entertain1572

enter1585

wager1592

to fill up1598

to take on1611

improve1640

to speak for ——a1688

employa1727

engage1753

ploy1871

to turn on1893

to book up1915

1572 J. Field & T. Wilcox Admon. to Parl. sig. C.iv^v To see if they can heare of some good maysters, to entertaine them into seruice.

1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin 197 They interteyned into their paye Charles Vrsin and Bart. Alviane with two hundred men at armes.

1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage I. v. iii. 392 Gave order..to entertaine halfe of them for the warres.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. iv. 108 Sweet Lady, entertaine him for your Seruant.

1677 A. Marvell Let. Jan. in Poems & Lett. (1971) III. 288 I haue enterteind M^r Hall likewise an able Exchequer Atturny.

1721 J. Perry Acct. Stopping Daggenham Breach 71 I..directly entertain'd all the Hands I could get.

1759 tr. M. Adanson Voy. Senegal 40 Those whom the company entertained in my service, were Oualoses.

1815 M. Elphinstone Acct. Kingdom Caubul v. vi. 530 Volunteers are entertained in actual war.

1858 Allen's Indian Mail 2 Sept. 732/1 Soldiers and Government servants of every class must be entertained for their merits, irrespective of creed.

†12. transitive. To encounter, meet with; to experience. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > encounter or experience

ymetec893

findeOE

meetOE

counterc1325

overtakec1390

limp?a1400

tidea1400

runa1450

to fall with ——?c1475

onlightc1475

recounterc1485

recount1490

to come in witha1500

occur1531

to fall on ——1533

to fall upon ——1533

beshine1574

rencontre1582

entertain1591

cope with1594

happen1594

tocome1596

incur1599

forgather1600

thwart1601

to fall in1675

cross1684

to come across ——1738

to cross upon (or on)1748

to fall across ——1760

experience1786

to drop in1802

encounter1814

to come upon ——1820

to run against ——1821

to come in contact with1862

to run across ——1864

to knock or run up against1886

to knock up against1887

1591 E. Spenser Virgil's Gnat in Complaints sig. K2^v Th' Argolicke power returning home againe..Did happie winde and weather entertaine.

1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 29 That he chose rather to be his owne Executioner, then to entertaine the cruell aspect of his Master.

1656 P. Heylyn Full Relation Two Journeys iii. i. 121 We..prepared our selves to entertain the sweet Air and Wine of Orleans.

13. transitive. Of a prostitute: to engage in sexual activity with (a client).

ΚΠ

1647 R. Stapleton in tr. Juvenal Sixteen Satyrs 107 A wench in great request, whose name was chalked upon the Chamber-doore where Messalina entertained all comers.

1819 A. Rees Cycl. XXIII. at Meretrix Common prostitutes..were ready at all times to entertain their customers.

1891 Spectator 7 Mar. 336/2 As long as prostitutes entertain unknown lovers in Whitechapel, so long will they be liable to murder.

1915 New Eng. Med. Gaz. Feb. 65 These prostitutes..receive their pay directly from the men they entertain and are not controlled by keepers.

2017 M. Cameron Power & Empire i. 12 He'd watched..two hookers entertain clients as they stood against the rough brick wall beside the dumpster.

IV. To occupy, engage; to amuse.

14.

a. transitive. To occupy or engage the attention or time of (a person): (also) to occupy (the attention, etc.) of a person. Now rare except as implied in senses 15a, 16.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)]

exercisea1538

entertainc1540

replenish1548

rouse1583

catcha1586

amuse1586

detainc1595

attract1599

grope1602

concerna1616

take1634

stay1639

engage1642

meet1645

nudge1675

strike1697

hitcha1764

seize1772

interest1780

acuminate1806

arrest1835

grip1891

intrigue1894

grab1966

work1969

c1540 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. ii. v. 144 The senate, throw þis present dredoure, ceissit nocht to Interteny þe pepill with maist plesand wourdis & dedis.

1599 S. Daniel Let. from Octavia xlvii. sig. D^v, in Poet. Ess. With what strange formes and shadowes ominous Did my last sleepe, my grieu'd soule intertaine?

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 64 I thinke the best way were, to entertaine him with hope.

1665 R. Boyle Disc. iv. iii, in Occas. Refl. sig. E8^v Noble enough, and worthy to entertain the Eyes of God.

1692 S. Patrick Answer to Touchstone of Reformed Gospel sig. Av I hope I shall neither tire the Reader, nor entertain him unprofitably.

1786 J. Nelson Affectionate Father iii. vi. 93 Mr. Gage, find a topic to entertain Maria.

1825 Lett. from Irish Highlands xlv. 321 The privilege which gives her the freedom..to call my attention from my book, or entertain me while I am at work, by repeating some of her long stories.

1929 Chicago Defender 2 Mar. ii. 2/7 To resist at the proper moment in order to entertain the attention of the four bandits.

2009 Jrnl. Caribbean Hist. 43 298 It is precisely these phenomena..that entertain the attention of the author.

†b. transitive. To engage in battle; to keep (an enemy force) occupied. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > fight (a battle, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > meet in battle

meeteOE

to meet withc1325

abattlec1400

recounter1455

check1535

to come up against1535

entertain1555

yoke1581

cope1594

conflict1599

clash1650

engage1697

engage1698

1555 J. Wilkinson tr. L. de Avila y Cuñiga Comm. Wars in Germany sig. D.v^v The Hungarians..rode before to skirmish, & to intertain y^e enemies.

1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 12 They presentlie sending certen troupes..to skirmish and entertaine the Mosquettiers.

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V i. ii. 111 O Noble English that could entertaine With halfe their Forces the full power of France.

1688 N. Crouch Female Excellency 106 He lands in Brittain to make war on his brother, who soon assembles his forces to entertain him.

†c. transitive. To occupy, fill (time, or a period of time). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > spending time > spend time or allow time to pass [verb (transitive)]

overdoOE

adreeOE

wreaka1300

to draw forthc1300

dispend1340

pass1340

drivea1375

wastec1381

occupyc1384

overpassa1387

to pass over ——a1393

usec1400

spend1423

contrive?a1475

overdrive1487

consumea1500

to pass forth1509

to drive off1517

lead1523

to ride out1529

to wear out, forth1530

to pass away?1550

to put offc1550

shiftc1562

to tire out1563

wear1567

to drive out1570

entertainc1570

expire1589

tire1589

outwear1590

to see out1590

outrun1592

outgo1595

overshoot1597

to pass out1603

fleeta1616

elapse1654

term1654

trickle1657

to put over1679

absorb1686

spin1696

exercise1711

kill1728

to get through ——1748

to get over ——1751

tickc1870

fill1875

c1570 J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1830) 48 He..had lychtlyit his awin nobill Quene, and intertanit ane howir..in her place.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxv. 251 To entertaine time and ease at home.

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. K1^v The wearie time shee cannot entertaine .

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 526 Where he may likeliest find Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain The irksome hours, till his great Chief return.

1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 287 We entertained our time pleasantly enough in searching out and describing of plants.

1712 J. Ozell tr. A. Dacier in tr. Homer Iliad II. iv. 5 Each invites his Mate, With Golden Cups to entertain the Time.

1788 Maria Harcourt II. 88 We..entertained the time with imparting to Mr. Worthy all that that young gentleman had told us.

1880 Golden Hours Oct. 718/1 It was agreed..to entertain the hours with talk and singing.

†d. transitive. To talk or write to (a person) of (also upon) a subject. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

ΚΠ

1660 R. Boyle New Exper. Physico-mechanicall Pref. 5 The Engine I am to entertain you of.

1748 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 30 Dec. (1932) (modernized text) IV. 1288 I have so often entertained you upon these important subjects.

1861 D. G. Rossetti tr. Cino da Pistoia in Early Ital. Poets ii. 384 Of thee she entertains the blessed throngs.

15.

a. transitive. To provide amusement or enjoyment for (a person); to amuse, divert, esp. with a performance, public event, etc.In quot. 1863 used ironically.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (transitive)]

skenta1250

solace1297

comfort1303

gamec1330

disportc1374

mirtha1400

solancea1400

playa1450

recreate1531

pastime1577

sport1577

entertain1593

to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631

divertise1651

to take the fancy of1653

divert1662

amuse1667

tickle1682

1593 T. Lodge Life & Death William Long Beard sig. F3^v Tricked and attired by courtlie dames..to the end they might know how to entertaine and delight the king.

1658 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 256 They had entertain'd him with most excellent musick.

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. iv. §10 Such relations, which though not true, might yet please and entertain his readers.

1738 Common Sense (1739) II. 127 Thus was poor Lucinda entertain'd out of her Innocence, and diverted into Infamy and Contempt.

1775 S. Johnson Let. 11 June (1992) II. 223 You never told me..how you were entertained by Boswel's Journal.

1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. v. 97 A lady, whom you consider it as your duty to entertain.

1863 F. A. Kemble Jrnl. Resid. Georgian Plantation 55 He entertained me with an account of the Darien Society.

1877 Spirit of Times 24 Nov. 450/2 This accomplished journalist..entertained a splendid audience..with a lecture on the ‘Comicalities of Southern Life’.

1924 Humorist 19 Jan. 641/2 (advt.) A book of good short stories is an ideal companion. Ever ready to entertain you, it will minister to your mood.

1992 Rugby World & Post Mar. 56/1 A tremendous game that thoroughly entertained the big crowd.

2012 R. Shepherd Westminster xxxvi. 284 Visitors were entertained by circus performers.

b. intransitive. To provide amusement or enjoyment, esp. with a performance, etc.; (in later use sometimes) spec. to perform as an entertainer, to work in the entertainment industry.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (intransitive)] > provide amusement

to make sportc1475

entertain1706

1706 W. Congreve Way of World (ed. 2) sig. A4 If any are so arrogantly Vain, To think they singly can support a Scene, And furnish Fool enough to entertain.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 88. ⁋2 Those who recount strange Accidents and Circumstances which have no Manner of Foundation in Truth,..when they endeavour only to surprise and entertain,..are distinguished by the Name of Gunsters.

1757 Muse in Moral Humour I. 224 How Art and Nature vie to entertain, In public Shows, and mix Delight with Pain.

1828 C. Lamb Confessions of Drunkard (rev. ed.) in Elia 2nd Ser. 208 My favourite occupations..now cease to entertain.

1869 O. Logan Apropos Women & Theatres vii. 94 Nobody goes to the theatre to be preached to. The prime object of the theatre is to entertain, and it is for the purpose of being entertained that people go there. The first aim of even the ‘moral drama’ is to entertain.

1934 Tune Times Aug. 573/1 A hokum band is one that depends upon tricks, imitations, skits and general clowning to entertain, instead of straight music.

1965 H. D. Duncan Culture & Democracy iii. 27 His love of words and his lifelong desire to entertain and to fashion tales and comic parables found expression in the spoken drama of politics.

1979 Country Life 11 Oct. 1165/3 The Pony Club games never fail to entertain.

1997 Source Oct. 143 Salt-n-Pepa..were two fly girls who were born to entertain.

16. transitive (reflexive). To occupy oneself, fill one's time, esp. with an amusing or enjoyable activity; to amuse oneself.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (reflexive)]

shurt?c1225

playc1300

solace1340

lakea1375

to disport oneselfc1385

sport?a1425

short1449

recreate1530

entertain1594

to make oneself glee1602

deboise1633

divertise1651

divert1660

regale1682

besport1855

1594 L. Lewkenor tr. O. de la Marche Resolued Gentleman f. 49^v Now you haue tolde me what exercise I shoulde enterteine my selfe withall till the time of my Combat.

?1608 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Of Wisdome iii. xiv. 478 Children must not be suffered to be idle, to bring themselues asleepe, to entertaine themselues with their owne prattle.

1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 41 We entertain'd our selves with discourse till the prison was open'd.

1700 W. Congreve Way of World ii. i. 17 I have no Taste of those insipid dry Discourses, with which our Sex of force must entertain themselves, apart from Men.

1799 J. G. Lemaistre Frederic Latimer II. xiv. 96 Lord Colchester entertained himself in cutting up a melon for his own eating.

1841 Roberts' Semi-monthly Mag. 1 June 400/2 He made no trouble of it, but cheerfully entertained himself with a cigar, in his cab, for the hour which had to elapse before he could reach his destination.

1872 Nursery 11 98 Now leave me, for I can entertain myself.

1916 H. G. Wells Mr. Britling sees it Through i. v. 128 The two small boys entertained themselves by drawing pigs.

1955 Life 11 Apr. 16/2 Fifth Avenue strollers in New York, who usually entertain themselves by looking at expensive things in store windows, now have a new diversion.

2008 Runner's World Jan. 85/2 Spectators are sparse, and you'll need to entertain yourself by counting hawks, cows, and deer.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	entertain
释义	† entertainn. Forms: see entertain v. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: entertain v. Etymology: < entertain v. Compare earlier entertaining n., entertainment n. Obsolete. 1. a. The action or fact of receiving or entertaining a guest; the manner in which a guest is received or treated. Cf. entertainment n. 4b. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > hospitality > [noun] gesteningc1200 semblant1297 guestinga1300 harbergery1303 hospitalityc1384 harbergagec1386 cheerc1390 rehetc1390 waitinga1400 hostryingec1470 entreaty1525 entertainment1576 entertain1591 hostelity1593 hospitage1611 xenodochy1623 hospitation1863 entertaining1883 1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 1085 Who..Receyued them with chearefull entertayne. 1609 W. Shakespeare Pericles i. 162 Your entertaine shall bee As doth befit our honour and your worth. 1640 T. Carew Poems 12 Tell your Soveraigne..I gave you courteous entertaine. 1651 tr. F. de Quintana Hist. Don Fenise 50 I thought to enjoy the deare entertaine of Hipolite. b. A meal; esp. a formal or elegant meal; a feast, a banquet; = entertainment n. 4a(b). ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > meal > feast > [noun] farmeOE feasta1200 gesteningc1200 mangerc1390 mangerya1400 junkerya1425 banquet1483 convive1483 gestonyea1500 junketa1500 festine1520 Maundy1533 junketing1577 entertainmenta1616 entertain1620 regalo1622 treatmenta1656 treat1659 regale1670 regality1672 festino1741 spreadation1780 spread1822 blowout1823 tuck-out1823 burst1849 1620 H. Peacham Thalia's Banquet Epigram lxiii. sig. B8^v I do inuite you heere Vnto our Muses meare collation. Which far your bounteous entertaine put downe. 1632 T. Heywood Iron Age iii. sig. F2^v All welcome to this peacefull intertaine. 1681 J. Oldham tr. Horace Art of Poetry in Some New Pieces never Publisht 31 Musick..'tis what the entertain might spare. 2. a. Amusement, pleasure, enjoyment; = entertainment n. 10b. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pleasure > [noun] lustc888 lustfulnessa900 queemnesseOE mirtheOE estec1000 winOE queemc1175 sweetness?c1225 solace1297 dutea1300 lustinga1300 joyingc1300 jollityc1330 lustiheadc1369 lustinessc1374 sweet1377 voluptyc1380 well-pleasinga1382 pleasancec1385 pleasurea1393 volupta1398 easementc1400 pleasingc1400 complacencec1436 pleasec1475 satisfaction1477 likancea1500 oblectation1508 beauty1523 aggradation1533 pleasurancec1540 joc1560 likement1577 contentment1587 beloving1589 gratification1598 savouriness1599 entertain1601 pleasedness1626 well-apaidness1633 well-pleasedness1633 pleasingness1649 complacency1652 adlubescence1656 enjoyment1665 volupe1669 musica1674 pleasantry1740 barrel of fun (laughs, etc.)1915 1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Eiiij^v On whose [sc. a river's] prowde banke such entertaine I had. 1607 R. Niccols Cuckow 51 Of that faire Nymph she found such intertaine, That neuer more she thence return'd againe. b. A performance, event, or activity which provides entertainment or amusement; = entertainment n. 10a. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > [noun] > source of amusement or entertainment mirtha1250 solacec1290 recreationc1400 esbatement1477 pastime1490 pastancea1500 passe-temps1542 entertainment1561 relief?1578 fancy1590 sport1598 abridgement1600 entertain1601 recreative1615 amusatory1618 nutsa1625 diverter1628 recreator1629 passatempo1632 amuser1724 fun1726 dissipation1733 resource1752 distraction1859 enlivening1859 good, clean fun1867 enlivenment1883 light relief1885 laugh1921 not one's scene1962 violon d'Ingres1963 1601 E. Gibbons in T. Morley Madrigales (new ed.) sig. D.iv The Hya-des and Drya-des giue sweetest entertaynes. a1657 G. Daniel Ecloges in Poems (1878) II. 164 Rurall Entertains Had noe ill-meanings. 1669 Addr. Hopeful Young Gentry Ep. Ded. sig. A viij Our masquerades and longer festivous entertains. 1678 Sir T. Browne Let. in Wks. (1852) III. 448 Intending to live in Surrey House, and there to make his entertaines; so that he contrives what pictures to lend, [etc.]. 3. Social conduct or behaviour; = entertainment n. 3a. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > [noun] conversationc1340 dolea1400 repairc1425 fellowshipc1450 frequentation?1520 communion1529 society1531 commerce1537 commercement1537 society1538 trade1555 intercourse1557 company1576 intercommunication1586 interdeal1591 entertain1602 consort1607 entregent1607 quarter1608 commercing1610 converse1610 trucka1625 congress1628 socialty1638 frequency1642 socialitya1649 socialness1727 intercommuniona1761 social life1812 dialogue1890 discourse1963 1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida i. sig. B3 With most obsequious, sleek-browed intertain, They all embrace it as most gratious. 1639 G. Daniel Ecclus. xlii. 12 To restraine A wife Immodest in her entertaine. 1668 L. Willan Perfect States-man ix. 21 His Access therefore Must be Facile, His Aboard Gracious, His Entertain Agreeable, and Closure Satisfactory. 4. Acceptance; admission into a person's thoughts or feelings. Cf. entertainment n. 6, 7a. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > acceptance, reception, or admission > [noun] acceptationa1425 admission?1430 allowancec1443 receipta1500 admittinga1504 admittance1534 confession1546 acceptance1569 entertain1616 conceding1656 reception1660 1616 R. Niccols Sir Thomas Ouerburies Vision 31 My counsell might find entertaine With those, whose soules are tainted. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica v. iv. 237 Sathan appeared..with a Virgins head, that thereby..his temptation might finde the easier entertaine . View more context for this quotation 1658 J. Webb tr. G. de Costes de La Calprenède Hymen's Præludia: 8th Pt. iv. viii. 170 Her implacable fury could not hinder the entertaine of some tender thoughts. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2020). entertainv. Brit. /ˌɛntəˈteɪn/, U.S. /ˌɛn(t)ərˈteɪn/ Forms: α. late Middle English entertien, late Middle English entretene, late Middle English entreteyne, late Middle English entretiene, late Middle English entretyn, late Middle English–1600s enterteyne, 1500s entertane, 1500s enterteigne, 1500s enterteinn, 1500s entertene, 1500s enterteygn, 1500s entretaigne, 1500s entreteyn, 1500s–1600s entertayn, 1500s–1600s entertayne, 1500s–1600s entertean, 1500s–1600s entertein, 1500s–1600s enterteine, 1500s–1600s enterteyn, 1500s–1600s entertyn, 1500s–1700s entertaine, 1500s– entertain, 1600s enterteign; Scottish pre-1700 entertanie, pre-1700 enterteany, pre-1700 entertenie, pre-1700 entertenyr, pre-1700 entretene, pre-1700 entretennie, pre-1700 entyrteny, 1700s entertene, 1800s enterteen. β. 1500s interteigne, 1500s interteygne, 1500s–1600s intertaine, 1500s–1600s intertayn, 1500s–1600s intertayne, 1500s–1600s intertein, 1500s–1600s interteine, 1500s–1600s interteyn, 1500s–1600s interteyne, 1500s–1700s intertain, 1600s intertane; also Scottish pre-1700 intertaing, pre-1700 intertane, pre-1700 intertang, pre-1700 intertany, pre-1700 interteain, pre-1700 intertean, pre-1700 interteane, pre-1700 interteany, pre-1700 interteinnie, pre-1700 interten, pre-1700 interteney, pre-1700 intertenie, pre-1700 intertennie, pre-1700 interteny, pre-1700 intertenye, pre-1700 intertine, pre-1700 intertiney, pre-1700 intertinnie, pre-1700 intertyn, pre-1700 intertynie. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French entretenir. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French entretenir (French entretenir ) to support (each other) (1155 in Old French; reflexive), to be linked to each other, to be entwined (late 12th cent.), to keep (a person, group, etc.) in a certain state or condition (late 14th cent., frequently e.g. in entretenir en paix ), to keep up, keep going, maintain (a state of things, activity, process, attitude) (early 15th cent.), to keep (a thing) in good or working condition (early 15th cent.), to maintain or support (a person) with money or necessities (early 15th cent., originally with reference to paying soldiers' wages), to converse with (a person) (mid 15th cent.; frequently with the topic of conversation in a de -clause), to have or keep (a person) in one's employment or service (late 15th cent.), to maintain friendly relations with (late 15th cent.; reflexive), to receive (a person) as a guest (late 15th cent.) < entre- enter- prefix + tenir to hold (see tenant n.).Compare post-classical Latin intertenere to maintain, sustain (from 15th cent. in British and continental sources), and also Old Occitan entretenir (13th cent.), Catalan entretenir (second half of the 16th cent.), Spanish entretener , Italian intrattenere (both 15th cent.). Forms. The forms probably partly reflect variation in the stem of the French verb; compare forms and see further discussion at maintain v., and compare also contain v., detain v., pertain v., retain v., sustain v. The Older Scots form entertenyr unusually appears to preserve the Middle French infinitive ending -ir . With the β. forms compare inter- prefix. I. To maintain, sustain, keep up. 1. a. transitive. To keep up, maintain (a state of things, a process); to keep going, continue with (an action, practice, attitude, etc.). Now somewhat archaic. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] > continue a use or practice keepc1315 entertain?c1452 retain1481 to summer and winter1602 sustain1602 ?c1452 in Paston Lett. (1904) I. 105 Thus he brake the seide trues ayeinst his promysse and true feith made to youre highnes, which was to kepe and entretyn the said trues. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos vii. sig. Ciiij To enterteyne hir pudyque chastyte in perpetuall wydowhed. ?1548 tr. P. Viret Verie Familiare Expos. Art. Christian Faieth sig. N.iiii The satisfaction that I make vnto the churche whyche serueth not but to entertayne hyr discipline, and to auoide sclaunders. 1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1375/1 I interteined intelligence with the Scotish queene. 1599 M. Drayton Idea in Englands Heroicall Epist. (new ed.) Ded. sig. P2 ^v My Muse..cannot long one Fashion intertaine. 1608 E. Grimeston tr. J. F. Le Petit Gen. Hist. Netherlands xiv. 1091 Assist the other confederates..without dissimulation: Entertayning good amitie and correspondence. a1639 J. Spottiswood Hist. Church Scotl. (1677) v. 253 Morton..entertained a long fight with them. 1757 T. Shaw Trav. Barbary & Levant (ed. 2) i. iv. 23 The inhabitants entertain a tradition, that formerly the kings of Tlem-san took here. 1794 J. Hutton Diss. Philos. Light 182 This heat, in the burning body, is entertained by the extrication of light. 1825 R. Southey Tale of Paraguay iii. 18 The Empress Queen..did not disdain..to entertain Discourse with him. 1845 Amer. Rev. Mar. 290/2 All the intellectual races..entertain traditions, which ally them either with the Indian or with the Semetic descent. 1860 J. L. Motley Hist. Netherlands (1868) I. iv. 111 Philip..might direct all his energies towards entertaining civil war in France. 1917 Harper's Mag. Dec. 302/1 We have entertained the custom of writing, at this time of the year, a Christmas Study. 2013 E. Schoorl J.-B. Say x. 160 The two economists entertained a correspondence, published posthumously. 2017 P. Slotte in M. Koskenniemi et al. Internat. Law & Relig. ix. 200 As a child, Hammarskjöld entertained a friendship with the daughter of the Archbishop. †b. transitive. To keep (a thing) in good or working condition; to undertake or perform the maintenance of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in proper condition feeda1000 sustaina1325 keepa1382 entertain1477 uphold1511 upkeep1926 1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 96 And for to entretiene his astate were ordeyned certayn nombre of peple. 1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) iii. 21 (heading) This puissaunt kynge..assigned grete reuenues therto for tentretene it [sc. the Temple]. 1586 T. Bright Treat. Melancholie ii. 5 These varieties of humours are entertained by nourishmentes. 1609 E. Grimeston tr. J. F. Le Petit Low-Country Common Wealth 160 The ordinary charge to repaire and entertaine them [sc. dykes], is very great. 1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) i. 56 Its [sc. a bridge] entertained at the cost of the King of Spayne. †c. transitive. To provide for the financial or material needs of (a person); to maintain or support with money or necessities. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in existence or maintain > specifically a person or vital functions support?1551 entertain1559 1559 in D. H. Fleming Reg. Christian Congregation St. Andrews (1889) I. 27 The said Williame Rantoun sall maynteyne, triet, and intertiney, the said Elizabeth Gedde,..as becummis ane husband on all behalfis to triet his wyfe. 1640 Bk. War Comm. Covenanters 67 Sex musqueteires and ane sergand to be enterteanit upon the publict. 1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 55 Hermogenes, whom falling into poverty, Socrates perswaded Diodorus his friend to entertain. a1657 J. Balfour Hist. Wks. (1824) II. 145 That also they take order for intertaining the poore in ilk parochin. 1703 Duke of Queensberry in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) IV. 240 I thought it necessary to entertain him with some money. 1771 Antiq. Sarisb., Lives Bps. 169 Ten widows of Clergymen are here entertained, with a very comfortable provision. †2. transitive. To keep in a certain state or condition; to keep (a person) in a certain frame of mind. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE sustainc1300 keepc1315 maintainc1390 conservea1425 continuec1460 entertain1490 persevere1502 uphold?1523 containa1538 petrifya1631 conservate1647 to keep on1669 to keep up1670 preserve1677 support1696 fix1712 ossify1800 fossilize1848 1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xiii. sig. Diiij His swete wordes and drawynge, that atysen and enterteyne her in a contynualle thoughte towarde hym. a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 127 Hys owne clyent..was interteynyd in long sute. 1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Life Agricola in tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. 247 By a kinde of courteous and mild regiment intertained the cuntrey in quiet. 1609 S. Grahame Anat. Humors To Rdr. sig. A4 If thou finde thy selfe in faire colours, then be carefull how to entertaine thy selfe in the true Luister. 1664 in G. Miege Relation of Three Embassies (1669) 386 The Fidelity and Prudence of their Ministers seems rather made to entertain them in mutual Cautele and Suspicion. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 245 Cromwell was certainly fond of her, and she took care to entertain him in it. 3. transitive. To have or keep (a person) in one's employment or service; to pay (a person) for work done or services rendered. Frequently with in. Cf. sense 11. Now historical and rare. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ > retain in one's service employ1523 entertain1549 to have (one) in fee1756 society > authority > subjection > service > servant > retainer or follower > be a retainer or follower of [verb (transitive)] > keep retainers to make a retinue1399 entertain1549 1549 Proclam. Edward VI 6 Apr. in All Proclam. sette Furthe (1551) f. xxxiiij Souldiors enterteined in his highnes wages. 1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Gloucester vii With princely wagies dyd me enterteyne. 1625 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 167 Two..Phisitions to bee interteyned and ymployed by this Cittie. 1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iii. 361 Notwithstanding so many labourers entertained in the work, seven years was this Temple in building. 1705 Observator 1 Sept. It is a Scandal for any Government to entertain so ill a Man in its Service. 1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting I. v. 113 No wonder when so many Italians were entertained in the King's service. 1831 Kaleidoscope 12 Apr. 325/1 She had been previously entertained in his service in the capacity of housemaid. 1916 Times of India 11 Apr. 9/2 The pay of a midwife nurse entertained at the Civil Hospital..for the two years 1915-16 and 1916-17. 1998 Law & Society Rev. 32 388 Special care was to be taken that the head of a family entertaining a servant should be well grounded in religion. †4. transitive. To maintain friendly relations with (a person); to keep as a friend. Usually with implication of an ulterior motive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > converse with [verb (transitive)] to speak to ——c825 speakc950 to speak with ——971 to speak unto ——c1386 entertain1553 to stand with ——1564 wissel1571 discourse1677 dialogue1681 converse1718 1553 R. Burrant tr. Erasmus in Preceptes Cato (new ed.) sig. E.v^v It is better to entertein soche a feigned frende with faire wordes, then vtterly to make him thy enemie. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 720 He is a deepe dissimuler..entertayning all men for his awne profite. 1656 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. II. iv. 18 A friend is not to be entertained out of usefull or necessary Ends, nor when such fail, is to be cast off. †II. To be held together physically. 5. intransitive. Of a number of things: to become or stay entwined together. Also transitive (in passive): (of a single thing) to be held intertwined among other things. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > intertwining or interweaving > intertwine or interweave [verb (intransitive)] writhec1275 entertain1481 interlace1596 weave1613 lace1762 intertwine1782 interknit1818 the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [verb (transitive)] > coil or twist together entertain1481 wreathe1553 wringle1572 weave1578 entwine1616 intertwine1641 encurl1647 betwine1661 intervolve1667 twine1679 interwind1693 implicate1826 interwreathe1866 thong1888 1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. x. sig. f7^v Ther ben also apple trees the whiche ben ful of longe apples..And they entretiene and cleue to gydre wel an hondred in a clustre. 1578 J. Banister Hist. Man viii. f. 111 An other lesser [nerve] trunke is intertained among the fore partes of the legge. III. To receive, admit, take in, and related senses. 6. a. transitive. To receive as a guest in one's home, esp. for a meal or social gathering; to host; (also more generally) to show hospitality to; to invite or take out (a person, esp. a client or customer of a business) for food and drink. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > hospitality > show hospitality to [verb (transitive)] gestena1300 lodgec1325 cherishc1330 guestc1330 to give cheera1393 harbry14.. callc1430 uptakea1470 recueil1477 host1485 entertain1490 to set forth1526 harbour1534 retainc1540 treata1578 water1742 sport1826 have1868 hospitize1895 1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xx. sig. Eviii^v I haue delyuered them..and receyued in to my cyte, not onely receyued, but entreteyned, furnyshed and susteyned as them of my house. 1575 T. Tymme tr. A. Marlorat Catholike & Eccles. Expos. Iohn xi. 407/1 Let vs be frendly in entertaining our frends and ghestes. c1600 Diurnal of Remarkable Occurrents (1833) 102 Directit be our souerane lady to intertynie the said ambassatour vntill hir cummyng. 1677 M. Hale Contempl. ii. 131 This World is little other than our Inn to entertain us in our Journey to another Life. 1733 Mrs. H. Pratt in Swift's Lett. (1768) IV. 55 I wish I had a house in some measure worthy to entertain a guest that should be so welcome to me. 1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall III. 16 Gregory was entertained in the house of a pious and charitable kinsman. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany xvi. 267 The Emperor was entertained at dinner. 1913 Living Age 20 Sept. (front matter) (advt.) Splendidly equipped to entertain families and long-stay guests during the autumn and winter months. 1966 T. Capote In Cold Blood iv. 237 The opportunity to entertain his friend, play host as it were, delighted Perry. 1997 Men's Health Sept. 78/1 The client you're entertaining is determined to have a big blow out at your company's expense. 2004 EnRoute June 16/1 When today's in-crowd entertain guests in the garden, they serve..the kind of food you'd normally expect to find at a terrace café or bar in the Mediterranean. b. intransitive. To receive a guest or guests; to show hospitality; esp. to host a number of guests at a meal or other social gathering. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > hospitality > show hospitality [verb (intransitive)] harbour1534 entertain1693 1693 N. Staphorst tr. L. Rauwolf Trav. Eastern Countries ii. x, in J. Ray Coll. Curious Trav. I. 214 These are good-hearted Christians, which have great Compassion on their Fellow-Christians, and love to entertain and to be kind to Strangers. 1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. x. 188 The Major had twice dined at the house of a ship-broker, a man who talked too much, and entertained well. 1852 C. Chesebro Isa xi. 162 She dresses well, dances well, entertains well—is chatty, agreeable, charming—and so are a thousand others just like her. 1880 Mrs. E. H. Edwards Pezazi in Macmillan's Mag. No. 253. 74 We were in such confusion..that we could not entertain. a1915 W. D. Scott Men of Lett. (1917) 115 Marjorie becomes an impeccable hostess, entertains brilliantly. 1956 Rotarian Mar. 22 (title) We like to entertain—in Philadelphia. 2004 Times Lit. Suppl. 18 June 20/2 The most common refrain from the clients for any garden-make-over is that they want ‘somewhere to entertain’. c. transitive. To treat (a guest) to a specified form of hospitality, esp. a shared meal. ΚΠ 1759 tr. J.-J. Rousseau Let. to M. D'Alembert conc. Effects Theatr. Entertainm. 117 When their husbands entertained company to dinner, they seldom appeared at table. 1834 Scotsman 12 Mar. A number of subscribers..entertained to dinner Mr J. Alston, in Menzie's Commercial Tavern, Waterloo Place, as a mark of respect for his important services. 1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker xvii. 259 I was entertained to a sea-bathe, indiscriminate cocktails, a dinner, a hula-hula. 1924 Humorist 19 Jan. 629/2 A member of the Eccentric Club recently entertained a dozen friends to a ‘backwards’ dinner, starting with the liqueurs and ending with the cocktails. 1977 Jersey Evening Post 26 July 27/6 Mrs. Munro had entertained to tea at her home several elderly ladies who seldom get out and about. 2014 T. Blackman Vulcan Boys (2015) vi. 71 We were taken to a good hotel and were entertained to lunch by Salisbury Rotarians, a very pleasant way to welcome us. †7. transitive. To behave towards or treat (a person, custom, etc.) in a specified manner. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > follow (a course of behaviour) [verb (transitive)] > behave towards ateec1000 leadc1175 makec1175 farec1230 beleadc1275 dightc1275 beseec1300 servec1300 treatc1374 usea1382 proceeda1393 demean1393 to deal witha1400 treatc1400 to do to ——a1425 entreat?a1425 handc1440 ferea1450 entertain1490 ray1509 to do unto ——?1523 tract1548 deal1573 to carry a strict (also severe, etc.) hand over (also upon, to)c1591 play1597 to comport with1675 to behave towards or to1754 usen1814 the world > action or operation > manner of action > [verb (transitive)] > deal with or treat > in a specific manner ateec1000 makec1175 servec1300 manure1431 entertain1662 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 549 King charlemagn loveth vs moche and he entreteyneth vs above all other honourabli, for the love of you. 1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer ii. sig. Y.iiii Seeinge those Ladies enterteine him with such respect, and honour him so muche, they fell all in a laughyng. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) ii. iii. 72 I am sorry, that with reuerence I did not entertaine thee as thou art. View more context for this quotation 1630 Bp. J. Hall Occas. Medit. §lxix And intertained with all variety of Persecution. 1662 P. Gunning Paschal or Lent-Fast 44 Art thou rich? do not contumeliously entertain the [Lent] fast. 1707 J. Lacy Warnings Eternal Spirit: 3rd Pt. lix. 161 Which of the Prophets did not the World entertain, with the utmost Scorn and Indignation? †8. a. transitive. To admit, let in (a person); to accept or welcome into a place, group, etc. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > social event > visit > visiting > visit [verb (transitive)] > receive as visitor underfo924 afangOE underfonga1175 fangc1275 upfoa1300 seec1500 entertain1559 1559 W. Bavand tr. J. Ferrarius Common Weale iv. ii. f. 58^v Eresius..was interteined into Aristotles schole when he wente into Chalcis. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 659 Divers other..came humbly & submitted themselues, whome he gently enterteined & louingly receyued. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 121 Since mine owne doores refuse to entertaine me. View more context for this quotation 1624 T. Heywood Γυναικεῖον i. 37 Ino..with her sonne Melicerta, were entertained into the number of the Sea-gods. 1649 R. Baxter Saints Everlasting Rest (1650) i. v. 47 If the King of Israel riding on an Ass, be entertained into Jerusalem with Hosanna's. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 382 Hell shall unfould, To entertain you two, her widest Gates. View more context for this quotation 1724 A. Gavin Master-key Popery i. 85 They entertain no body within the Gate of the College, so no body knows, what they do among themselves. b. transitive. To receive or accept (something); esp. to receive or react to (news, events, etc.) in a specified manner. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] thiga864 takeOE receivea1400 entertain1578 1578 J. Banister Hist. Man sig. B.i Let these my simple labours, whatsoeuer they are, be entertained in the handes of thee true, vertuous, and honest Artistes. 1586 A. Day Eng. Secretorie i. sig. O6 And beeing also informed with what great extremitie you haue entertained the newes of his losse. 1595 G. Markham Most Honorable Trag. Sir R. Grinuile sig. F4^v Abrahams faire bosome lyes to entertaine it [sc. thy soule]. 1620 Pentelogia sig. N2^v, in F. Quarles Feast for Wormes Did thy cheekes entertaine a Traytors lips? 1698 G. Stanhope tr. Thomas à Kempis Christian's Pattern i. xxv. 74 We are to..entertain the most calamitous Accidents, without Murmuring or Discontent. 1753 E. Cobden Dissuasive from Popery 10 They will entertain your message with kindness. 1810 Christian Observer Nov. 676/1 Let us therefore inquire into the manner in which we entertain the news of a Saviour having been born. c. transitive. To admit and contain (something) physically; to have the capacity for, to accommodate. Obsolete.Esp. in the context of harbours, bodies of water, etc., being large and deep enough to accommodate vessels of a particular size or in certain numbers. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] > admit into a receptacle underfoa1100 receivea1400 entertain?1608 take1791 ?1608 W. B. tr. A. Ortelius Theatrum Orbis Terrarum f. xxxj To become deepe and able to entertaine ships of good burden. 1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie i. sig. Bb2 The most safe and capacious Haven..capable of entertaining the greatest Navie. 1664 J. Evelyn Kalendarium Hortense 65 in Sylva Hot-beds to entertain..exoctic plants. 1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. iii. 40 Cut out so much Iron in the Fore and Backsides as would entertain the Main Spindle. 1721 J. Perry Acct. Stopping Daggenham Breach (title page) Rendering the Ports of Dover and Dublin Commodious for Entertaining large Ships. 1787 W. Davis Rep. Improvem. Harbour Dublin 13 A bason would be formed large enough to entertain 400 sail of ships. 9. a. transitive. To keep or hold on to (a feeling, conviction, etc.); to harbour, nurture, cherish; (also in weakened sense) to have or experience (a feeling). ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > thought > think or have in mind [verb (transitive)] > cherish breed?c1225 cherishc1385 entertain1567 nursle1746 nurture1792 reverie1832 1567 W. Painter Palace of Pleasure II. xxix. f. 322^v Gineura during all this time toke no rest, deuising how she might cutte of cleane hir loue entertained in Dom Diego. 1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 4 Nothing (blame and offence excepted) Can chaunce in the life of any man wherein horror is harboured, or feare intertained. 1673 Countess of Warwick Let. 30 July in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) IV. 353 I was not without som feares that you would not com, yet I had entertained such hopes of it. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 123. ¶5 Leonilla..entertained..a secret Passion for Florio. 1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives I. 313 The king entertained a deep resentment against him. 1827 W. Scott Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xii. 239 [She] perhaps for the moment actually entertained the purpose which she expressed. 1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches I. i. iv. 200 To learn from others, you must entertain a respect for them. 1908 E. M. Forster Room with View ii. 38 The feeling soon passed; it was unlike her to have entertained anything so subtle. 1970 J. Glassco Mem. Montparnasse xxii. 193 She entertained feelings of the purest and most venomous hatred. 2009 Winterthur Portfolio 43 271/1 All of them also entertained ambitions of cultural influence. b. transitive. To give consideration to (an idea, request, etc.); to think about, contemplate. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > thought > think or have in mind [verb (transitive)] holdOE thinkOE makea1400 carry1583 entertain1583 lodge1583 conceit?1589 reflect1611 braina1616 1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) 201 I straightlie inhibit you for your better thriuing, neuer once to enterteine one thoughte of Aurelia. 1605 Bp. J. Hall Medit. & Vowes II. §53 But I will suspect a nouell opinion of vntrueth; and not entertaine it, vnlesse [etc.]. 1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. ii. xi. sig. P7^v Who thinks it not time to entertain thoughts of Death. 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 128. ⁋7 I..have..entertained the Addresses of a Man who I thought lov'd me more than Life. a1834 S. T. Coleridge Specimens of Table Talk (1835) II. 62 I so far entertained the proposal as to read the work through with great attention. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) I. 409 That is a question which he refuses to entertain. 1885 Act 48 Vict. c. 17 §8 The case shall be stated and the appeal entertained and heard. 1931 Times Educ. Suppl. 10 Jan. 9/4 His application cannot be entertained unless he produces the actual matriculation certificate. 1993 J. Green It: Sex since Sixties 127 I never seriously entertained the idea I was gay. 2009 Vanity Fair Oct. 153/2 Virtually no one entertains the possibility of a world without the Times. †10. transitive. To take on (a task or responsibility); to begin or engage in (an activity). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] underfoc893 fandOE onfangOE undernimc1000 takec1175 to take tillc1175 to take toa1250 underfongc1330 undertakea1340 to take in (also on) handa1350 undertakec1385 attamec1386 to take in (also on) handc1390 embrace1393 emprisec1410 to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410 to go upon ——c1450 enterprise?1473 to set (one's) hand to1477 go?a1500 accept1524 assume1530 to hent in (also upon) handc1540 to swallow up1544 to take to task1546 to go into ——?1548 to set in hand1548 to fare about1563 entertain1569 undergo1606 to set about ——1611 to take up1660 to come at ——1901 1569 R. Crowley Setting open Subtyle Sophistrie T. Watson ii. 161 Our Communion..shall on the mariage day be interteyned of the Bridegromes father. 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 98 Knowing them selues vnmeete to entertaine wedlocke. 1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 277 That the king should..with all speed possible entertain that honorable war. 1668 A. Marvell Let. 6 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 64 We onely made one order that the House would intertein no new businesse till it be calld over. 1719 W. Wood Surv. Trade (ed. 2) 10 Trade was first entertain'd..by little States. †11. transitive. To take (a person) into one's service or employment; to hire, recruit, appoint. Also with into. Cf. sense 3. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > working > labour supply > [verb (transitive)] > hire or employ hirec1000 i-bye10.. i-hirec1000 soldc1386 takea1400 retain1437 wage1465 conduct1476 fee1488 conduce1502 implya1533 entertain1572 enter1585 wager1592 to fill up1598 to take on1611 improve1640 to speak for ——a1688 employa1727 engage1753 ploy1871 to turn on1893 to book up1915 1572 J. Field & T. Wilcox Admon. to Parl. sig. C.iv^v To see if they can heare of some good maysters, to entertaine them into seruice. 1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin 197 They interteyned into their paye Charles Vrsin and Bart. Alviane with two hundred men at armes. 1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage I. v. iii. 392 Gave order..to entertaine halfe of them for the warres. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. iv. 108 Sweet Lady, entertaine him for your Seruant. View more context for this quotation 1677 A. Marvell Let. Jan. in Poems & Lett. (1971) III. 288 I haue enterteind M^r Hall likewise an able Exchequer Atturny. 1721 J. Perry Acct. Stopping Daggenham Breach 71 I..directly entertain'd all the Hands I could get. 1759 tr. M. Adanson Voy. Senegal 40 Those whom the company entertained in my service, were Oualoses. 1815 M. Elphinstone Acct. Kingdom Caubul v. vi. 530 Volunteers are entertained in actual war. 1858 Allen's Indian Mail 2 Sept. 732/1 Soldiers and Government servants of every class must be entertained for their merits, irrespective of creed. †12. transitive. To encounter, meet with; to experience. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > encounter or experience ymetec893 findeOE meetOE counterc1325 overtakec1390 limp?a1400 tidea1400 runa1450 to fall with ——?c1475 onlightc1475 recounterc1485 recount1490 to come in witha1500 occur1531 to fall on ——1533 to fall upon ——1533 beshine1574 rencontre1582 entertain1591 cope with1594 happen1594 tocome1596 incur1599 forgather1600 thwart1601 to fall in1675 cross1684 to come across ——1738 to cross upon (or on)1748 to fall across ——1760 experience1786 to drop in1802 encounter1814 to come upon ——1820 to run against ——1821 to come in contact with1862 to run across ——1864 to knock or run up against1886 to knock up against1887 1591 E. Spenser Virgil's Gnat in Complaints sig. K2^v Th' Argolicke power returning home againe..Did happie winde and weather entertaine. 1634 T. Herbert Relation Some Yeares Trauaile 29 That he chose rather to be his owne Executioner, then to entertaine the cruell aspect of his Master. 1656 P. Heylyn Full Relation Two Journeys iii. i. 121 We..prepared our selves to entertain the sweet Air and Wine of Orleans. 13. transitive. Of a prostitute: to engage in sexual activity with (a client). ΚΠ 1647 R. Stapleton in tr. Juvenal Sixteen Satyrs 107 A wench in great request, whose name was chalked upon the Chamber-doore where Messalina entertained all comers. 1819 A. Rees Cycl. XXIII. at Meretrix Common prostitutes..were ready at all times to entertain their customers. 1891 Spectator 7 Mar. 336/2 As long as prostitutes entertain unknown lovers in Whitechapel, so long will they be liable to murder. 1915 New Eng. Med. Gaz. Feb. 65 These prostitutes..receive their pay directly from the men they entertain and are not controlled by keepers. 2017 M. Cameron Power & Empire i. 12 He'd watched..two hookers entertain clients as they stood against the rough brick wall beside the dumpster. IV. To occupy, engage; to amuse. 14. a. transitive. To occupy or engage the attention or time of (a person): (also) to occupy (the attention, etc.) of a person. Now rare except as implied in senses 15a, 16. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] exercisea1538 entertainc1540 replenish1548 rouse1583 catcha1586 amuse1586 detainc1595 attract1599 grope1602 concerna1616 take1634 stay1639 engage1642 meet1645 nudge1675 strike1697 hitcha1764 seize1772 interest1780 acuminate1806 arrest1835 grip1891 intrigue1894 grab1966 work1969 c1540 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1901) I. ii. v. 144 The senate, throw þis present dredoure, ceissit nocht to Interteny þe pepill with maist plesand wourdis & dedis. 1599 S. Daniel Let. from Octavia xlvii. sig. D^v, in Poet. Ess. With what strange formes and shadowes ominous Did my last sleepe, my grieu'd soule intertaine? a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. i. 64 I thinke the best way were, to entertaine him with hope. View more context for this quotation 1665 R. Boyle Disc. iv. iii, in Occas. Refl. sig. E8^v Noble enough, and worthy to entertain the Eyes of God. 1692 S. Patrick Answer to Touchstone of Reformed Gospel sig. Av I hope I shall neither tire the Reader, nor entertain him unprofitably. 1786 J. Nelson Affectionate Father iii. vi. 93 Mr. Gage, find a topic to entertain Maria. 1825 Lett. from Irish Highlands xlv. 321 The privilege which gives her the freedom..to call my attention from my book, or entertain me while I am at work, by repeating some of her long stories. 1929 Chicago Defender 2 Mar. ii. 2/7 To resist at the proper moment in order to entertain the attention of the four bandits. 2009 Jrnl. Caribbean Hist. 43 298 It is precisely these phenomena..that entertain the attention of the author. †b. transitive. To engage in battle; to keep (an enemy force) occupied. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > fight (a battle, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > meet in battle meeteOE to meet withc1325 abattlec1400 recounter1455 check1535 to come up against1535 entertain1555 yoke1581 cope1594 conflict1599 clash1650 engage1697 engage1698 1555 J. Wilkinson tr. L. de Avila y Cuñiga Comm. Wars in Germany sig. D.v^v The Hungarians..rode before to skirmish, & to intertain y^e enemies. 1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 12 They presentlie sending certen troupes..to skirmish and entertaine the Mosquettiers. 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V i. ii. 111 O Noble English that could entertaine With halfe their Forces the full power of France. 1688 N. Crouch Female Excellency 106 He lands in Brittain to make war on his brother, who soon assembles his forces to entertain him. †c. transitive. To occupy, fill (time, or a period of time). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > time > spending time > spend time or allow time to pass [verb (transitive)] overdoOE adreeOE wreaka1300 to draw forthc1300 dispend1340 pass1340 drivea1375 wastec1381 occupyc1384 overpassa1387 to pass over ——a1393 usec1400 spend1423 contrive?a1475 overdrive1487 consumea1500 to pass forth1509 to drive off1517 lead1523 to ride out1529 to wear out, forth1530 to pass away?1550 to put offc1550 shiftc1562 to tire out1563 wear1567 to drive out1570 entertainc1570 expire1589 tire1589 outwear1590 to see out1590 outrun1592 outgo1595 overshoot1597 to pass out1603 fleeta1616 elapse1654 term1654 trickle1657 to put over1679 absorb1686 spin1696 exercise1711 kill1728 to get through ——1748 to get over ——1751 tickc1870 fill1875 c1570 J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1830) 48 He..had lychtlyit his awin nobill Quene, and intertanit ane howir..in her place. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxv. 251 To entertaine time and ease at home. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. K1^v The wearie time shee cannot entertaine . View more context for this quotation 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 526 Where he may likeliest find Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain The irksome hours, till his great Chief return. View more context for this quotation 1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 287 We entertained our time pleasantly enough in searching out and describing of plants. 1712 J. Ozell tr. A. Dacier in tr. Homer Iliad II. iv. 5 Each invites his Mate, With Golden Cups to entertain the Time. 1788 Maria Harcourt II. 88 We..entertained the time with imparting to Mr. Worthy all that that young gentleman had told us. 1880 Golden Hours Oct. 718/1 It was agreed..to entertain the hours with talk and singing. †d. transitive. To talk or write to (a person) of (also upon) a subject. Obsolete (archaic in later use). ΚΠ 1660 R. Boyle New Exper. Physico-mechanicall Pref. 5 The Engine I am to entertain you of. 1748 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 30 Dec. (1932) (modernized text) IV. 1288 I have so often entertained you upon these important subjects. 1861 D. G. Rossetti tr. Cino da Pistoia in Early Ital. Poets ii. 384 Of thee she entertains the blessed throngs. 15. a. transitive. To provide amusement or enjoyment for (a person); to amuse, divert, esp. with a performance, public event, etc.In quot. 1863 used ironically. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (transitive)] skenta1250 solace1297 comfort1303 gamec1330 disportc1374 mirtha1400 solancea1400 playa1450 recreate1531 pastime1577 sport1577 entertain1593 to take a person out of himself (herself, etc.)1631 divertise1651 to take the fancy of1653 divert1662 amuse1667 tickle1682 1593 T. Lodge Life & Death William Long Beard sig. F3^v Tricked and attired by courtlie dames..to the end they might know how to entertaine and delight the king. 1658 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 256 They had entertain'd him with most excellent musick. 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. iv. §10 Such relations, which though not true, might yet please and entertain his readers. 1738 Common Sense (1739) II. 127 Thus was poor Lucinda entertain'd out of her Innocence, and diverted into Infamy and Contempt. 1775 S. Johnson Let. 11 June (1992) II. 223 You never told me..how you were entertained by Boswel's Journal. 1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. v. 97 A lady, whom you consider it as your duty to entertain. 1863 F. A. Kemble Jrnl. Resid. Georgian Plantation 55 He entertained me with an account of the Darien Society. 1877 Spirit of Times 24 Nov. 450/2 This accomplished journalist..entertained a splendid audience..with a lecture on the ‘Comicalities of Southern Life’. 1924 Humorist 19 Jan. 641/2 (advt.) A book of good short stories is an ideal companion. Ever ready to entertain you, it will minister to your mood. 1992 Rugby World & Post Mar. 56/1 A tremendous game that thoroughly entertained the big crowd. 2012 R. Shepherd Westminster xxxvi. 284 Visitors were entertained by circus performers. b. intransitive. To provide amusement or enjoyment, esp. with a performance, etc.; (in later use sometimes) spec. to perform as an entertainer, to work in the entertainment industry. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (intransitive)] > provide amusement to make sportc1475 entertain1706 1706 W. Congreve Way of World (ed. 2) sig. A4 If any are so arrogantly Vain, To think they singly can support a Scene, And furnish Fool enough to entertain. 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 88. ⁋2 Those who recount strange Accidents and Circumstances which have no Manner of Foundation in Truth,..when they endeavour only to surprise and entertain,..are distinguished by the Name of Gunsters. 1757 Muse in Moral Humour I. 224 How Art and Nature vie to entertain, In public Shows, and mix Delight with Pain. 1828 C. Lamb Confessions of Drunkard (rev. ed.) in Elia 2nd Ser. 208 My favourite occupations..now cease to entertain. 1869 O. Logan Apropos Women & Theatres vii. 94 Nobody goes to the theatre to be preached to. The prime object of the theatre is to entertain, and it is for the purpose of being entertained that people go there. The first aim of even the ‘moral drama’ is to entertain. 1934 Tune Times Aug. 573/1 A hokum band is one that depends upon tricks, imitations, skits and general clowning to entertain, instead of straight music. 1965 H. D. Duncan Culture & Democracy iii. 27 His love of words and his lifelong desire to entertain and to fashion tales and comic parables found expression in the spoken drama of politics. 1979 Country Life 11 Oct. 1165/3 The Pony Club games never fail to entertain. 1997 Source Oct. 143 Salt-n-Pepa..were two fly girls who were born to entertain. 16. transitive (reflexive). To occupy oneself, fill one's time, esp. with an amusing or enjoyable activity; to amuse oneself. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > entertainment > [verb (reflexive)] shurt?c1225 playc1300 solace1340 lakea1375 to disport oneselfc1385 sport?a1425 short1449 recreate1530 entertain1594 to make oneself glee1602 deboise1633 divertise1651 divert1660 regale1682 besport1855 1594 L. Lewkenor tr. O. de la Marche Resolued Gentleman f. 49^v Now you haue tolde me what exercise I shoulde enterteine my selfe withall till the time of my Combat. ?1608 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Of Wisdome iii. xiv. 478 Children must not be suffered to be idle, to bring themselues asleepe, to entertaine themselues with their owne prattle. 1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 41 We entertain'd our selves with discourse till the prison was open'd. 1700 W. Congreve Way of World ii. i. 17 I have no Taste of those insipid dry Discourses, with which our Sex of force must entertain themselves, apart from Men. 1799 J. G. Lemaistre Frederic Latimer II. xiv. 96 Lord Colchester entertained himself in cutting up a melon for his own eating. 1841 Roberts' Semi-monthly Mag. 1 June 400/2 He made no trouble of it, but cheerfully entertained himself with a cigar, in his cab, for the hour which had to elapse before he could reach his destination. 1872 Nursery 11 98 Now leave me, for I can entertain myself. 1916 H. G. Wells Mr. Britling sees it Through i. v. 128 The two small boys entertained themselves by drawing pigs. 1955 Life 11 Apr. 16/2 Fifth Avenue strollers in New York, who usually entertain themselves by looking at expensive things in store windows, now have a new diversion. 2008 Runner's World Jan. 85/2 Spectators are sparse, and you'll need to entertain yourself by counting hawks, cows, and deer. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.1591v.?c1452
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† entertainn.

entertainv.