host

n.

1. One who entertains

   entertainer, toastmaster, master, mistress, hostess, talk-show moderator, master of ceremonies, mistress of ceremonies, M.C., emcee; see also hostess 1, 3.

2. One who operates a place of public hospitality

   innkeeper, hotel keeper, tavern keeper, saloon keeper, barkeeper, barkeep, bartender, restaurant owner, restaurateur, manager, maitre d', night club owner, proprietor; see also hostess 2, owner.

3. A large group

   throng, multitude, army; see crowd 1, gathering.

4. Organism on which a parasite subsists

   host mother, host body, animal; see organism.

5. Sacramental bread; capitalized

   Bread of the Last Supper, wafer, Communion loaf, altar bread, Eucharist; see also communion 2, sacrament. See syn. study at crowd.

host

v.