salute

salute [sə lo͞ot′]

vt.

saluted, saluting [ME saluten < L salutare, to salute, wish health to < salus (gen. salutis), health, greeting < salvus, SAFE]

1. to greet or welcome with friendly words or ceremonial gesture, such as bowing, tipping the hat, etc.

2. to honor by performing a prescribed act or gesture, such as dipping the flag, firing cannon, or raising the right hand to the forehead, as a mark of military, naval, or official respect

3. to present itself to, as if in greeting

4. to acknowledge with praise; commend

vi.

to make a salute

n.

[OFr salut < L salus]

1. the act of saluting; salutation

2.

a) a gesture or remark made in saluting

b) the act of respect paid in saluting

3. something, as an event or ceremony, expressing respect, admiration, compliment, etc. [the benefit was a salute to the museum]

4. Mil. the position of the body, or of the hand, rifle, etc., assumed in saluting

saluter

n.