Host

Host - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

An entertainer (Rom. 16:23); a tavern-keeper, the keeper of a caravansary (Luke 10:35).

In warfare, a troop or military force. This consisted at first only of infantry. Solomon afterwards added cavalry (1 Kings 4:26; 10:26). Every male Israelite from twenty to fifty years of age was bound by the law to bear arms when necessary (Num. 1:3; 26:2; 2 Chr. 25:5).

Saul was the first to form a standing army (1 Sam. 13:2; 24:2). This example was followed by David (1 Chr. 27:1), and Solomon (1 Kings 4:26), and by the kings of Israel and Judah (2 Chr. 17:14; 26:11; 2 Kings 11:4, etc.).

Host - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

HOST, n. [L.hostis, a stranger, an enemy, probably of the same family. See Hospitable.]

1. One who entertains another at his own house, without reward.

Homer never entertained guests or hosts with long speeches.

2. One who entertains another at his house for reward; an innkeeper; a landlord.

3. A guest; one who is entertained at the house of another. The innkeeper says of the traveler,he has a good host,and the traveler says of his landlord, he has a kind host. [See Guest.]

HOST, n. [L. hostis, a stranger, an enemy.] The sense is probably transferred from a single foe to an army of foes.]

1. An army; a number of men embodied for war.

2. Any great number or multitude.

HOST, n. [L. hostia, a victim or sacrifice, from hostis, an enemy.]

In the Romish church, the sacrifice of the mass, or the consecrated wafer, representing the body of Christ, or as the Catholics allege, transubstantiated into his own body.

HOST, v.i. To lodge at an inn; to take up entertainment. [Little used.]

HOST, v.t. To give entertainment to. [Not used.]