[From the comedy of Molière, in which Amphitryon (foster-father of Hercules) gives a great dinner.] A host, an entertainer to dinner.
[Molière, Amphitryon, III. v. Le véritable Amphitryon est l’Amphitryon où l’on dîne.]
1862. C. H. Aïdé, Carr of Carlyon, I. 113. He excused himself when Carr asked him to dinner; and as it was clear that capacity was less concerned in the refusal than inclination, the would-be Amphitryon had pride enough not to renew the invitation.
1878. Lady Herbert, Hübner’s Round the World, II. ii. 521. My noble amphitryon made me sit down.
