- amusement
- 1640s, "diversion of attention," especially in military actions, from Fr. amusement, noun of action from amuser (see amuse).
"The Trumpets and Kettle-drums, which by way of Amusement had been sent out of that place the Night before." ["Memoirs of Emeric Count Teckely," 1693]
Meaning "a pastime, play, game, anything which pleasantly diverts the attention" (from duty, work, etc.) is from 1670s, originally depreciative; meaning "pleasurable diversion" attested from 1690s. Amusement park is first recorded 1909.