1.To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep. "You, sir, I entertain for one of my hundred."
2.To give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained unawares."
3.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. "The weary time she can not entertain."
4.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. "I am not here going to entertain so large a theme as the philosophy of Locke." "A rumor gained ground, and, however absurd, was entertained by some very sensible people."
5.To meet or encounter, as an enemy. (Obs.)
6.To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.
7.To lead on; to bring along; to introduce. (Obs.) "To baptize all nations, and entertain them into the services institutions of the holy Jesus."
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