Amusement, n.
Etymology: [Cf. F. amusement.]
1. Deep thought; muse. [Obs.] Here I . . . fell into a strong and deep amusement, revolving in my mind, with great perplexity, the amazing change of our affairs. Fleetwood.
2. The state of being amused; pleasurable excitement; that which amuses; diversion. His favorite amusements were architecture and gardening. Macaulay.
Syn. -- Diversion; entertainment; recreation; relaxation; pastime; sport.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for amusement; he lists it under entertainment.
Where he writes about it:
Amusement and pastime are nearly equivalent, the latter probably the lighter word; many slight things may be pastimes which we should hardly dignify by the name of amusements. — from entertainment
Amusement is a form of enjoyment, but enjoyment may be too keen to be called amusement. — from entertainment