(hōst) noun
1. One who entertains guests in private life.
2. The landlord of a hotel.
3. Biol. Any living plant or animal that harbors another as a parasite.
—v.t. Colloq. To conduct or entertain in the role of a host. [<OF hoste <L hospes guest, host. Akin to GUEST, HOST².]

(hōst) noun
1. An army.
2. A large body of men; a multitude. See synonyms under ARMY, ASSEMBLY, COMPANY, THRONG. [<OF <L hostis enemy. Akin to GUEST, HOST¹.]

(hōst) noun
1. Usually cap. In the Roman Catholic, Greek, Lutheran, and some other churches, the eucharistic bread or wafer before or after consecration.
2. Obs. An offering; sacrifice. [<OF hoiste <L hostia sacrificial victim]