Sa*lute" (?), n. [Cf. F. salut.
See Salute, v.] 1. The
act of saluting, or expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation;
greeting.
2. A sign, token, or ceremony, expressing good
will, compliment, or respect, as a kiss, a bow, etc.
Tennyson.
3. (Mil. & Naval) A token of respect or
honor for some distinguished or official personage, for a foreign
vessel or flag, or for some festival or event, as by presenting arms,
by a discharge of cannon, volleys of small arms, dipping the colors or
the topsails, etc.
Sa*lute" (?), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Saluted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Saluting.] [L. salutare, salutatum, from
salus, -utis, health, safety. See Salubrious.]
1. To address, as with expressions of kind wishes
and courtesy; to greet; to hail.
I salute you with this kingly
title.
Shak.
2. Hence, to give a sign of good will; to
compliment by an act or ceremony, as a kiss, a bow, etc.
You have the prettiest tip of a finger . . . I must
take the freedom to salute it.
Addison.
3. (Mil. & Naval) To honor, as some
day, person, or nation, by a discharge of cannon or small arms, by
dipping colors, by cheers, etc.
4. To promote the welfare and safety of; to
benefit; to gratify. [Obs.] "If this salute my blood a
jot." Shak.