See Also: hostess(medicine)
hostess(dictionary)
air hostess(dictionary)
hostess(dictionary)
hostess-ship(medicine)

hostess (iou)



hostess noun & verb. ME.

A. noun.
A woman who lodges or entertains guests; a woman who acts as a host. ME.
Radio Times The BBC was looking for two hostess-announcers for television. S. Spender She was a great hostess and patroness.
A woman who keeps a public place of lodging and entertainment; the landlady of an inn or public house. ME.
A woman employed to entertain customers at a nightclub etc.; euphem. a prostitute. M20.
A woman employed to attend to passengers on an aircraft (also air-hostess), train, etc. M20.
Comb.: hostess apron, hostess dress, hostess pyjamas, etc.: suitable for wearing to receive guests; hostess trolley: for holding (and keeping hot) food to be served at table.
b. verb intrans. & trans. Be the hostess of (a party etc.); act as hostess (at). E20.
hostessy adjective pertaining to or typical of a hostess; hospitable: M20.