Word Study
hostess
CIDE DICTIONARY
hostess, n. [OE. hostesse, ostesse. See Host a landlord.].
- A female host; a woman who hospitably entertains guests at her house. Shak. [1913 Webster]
- A woman who entertains guests for compensation; a female innkeeper. Shak. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
hostess, n.
1 a woman who receives or entertains a guest.
2 a woman employed to welcome and entertain customers at a nightclub etc.
3 a stewardess on an aircraft, train, etc. (air hostess).
1 a woman who receives or entertains a guest.
2 a woman employed to welcome and entertain customers at a nightclub etc.
3 a stewardess on an aircraft, train, etc. (air hostess).
Etymology
ME f. OF (h)ostesse (as HOST(2))
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