Past tense of entertain, meaning to provide amusement or enjoyment to others, or to consider an idea or possibility. Can also mean to receive guests hospitably.
From Old French 'entretenir,' meaning 'to hold together' or 'maintain,' composed of 'entre' (between) and 'tenir' (to hold). The meaning evolved from 'maintaining' to 'keeping someone occupied' to 'amusing' by the 16th century.
The word's evolution from 'maintaining' to 'amusing' reflects how hospitality historically involved not just feeding guests but keeping them engaged and comfortable. Medieval entertainers were essential figures who could literally hold a room together through storytelling, music, and performance, preventing social tensions during long gatherings.
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