Crossword Genius

Attempt to push back society entertainer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

host

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'society entertainer' is the definition.
'host' can be an answer for 'entertainer' (person hosting or entertaining guests). I am unsure of the 'society' bit.

'attempt to push back' is the wordplay.
'attempt' becomes 'ost' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'back' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'push' is 'h'.
'ost' put after 'h' is 'HOST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for host that I've seen before include "Entertainer of guests" , "Entertain" , "great many!" , "Compre" , "One entertaining, large number" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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