Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-VITE', v.t. [L. invito; It. invitare; Fr. inviter. This word is formed by in and the Teutonic bid, or its root; inbid. See Bid.]

1. To ask to do some act or to go to some place; to request the company of a person; as, to invite one to dine or sup; to invite friends to a wedding; to invite company to an entertainment; to invite one to an excursion into the country.
2. To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope. Shady groves, that easy sleep invite. – Dryden.
3. To present temptations or allurements to. The people should be in a situation not to invite hostilities. – Federalist, Jay.