entertain [LME] This is based on Latin inter ‘among’ and tenere ‘to hold’. It originally meant ‘maintain, continue’; in the late 15th century it developed into ‘maintain in a certain condition, treat in a certain way’. The meaning ‘show hospitality’ developed from this in the same period. The noun entertainment is also 15th century; its use for a public performance intended to amuse is mid 16th century.