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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I salute you with this kingly title. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, to give a sign of good will; to compliment by an act or ceremony, as a kiss, a bow, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

You have the prettiest tip of a finger . . . I must take the freedom to salute it. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To promote the welfare and safety of; to benefit; to gratify. [ Obs. ] “If this salute my blood a jot.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. salut. See Salute, v. ] 1. The act of saluting, or expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation; greeting. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A sign, token, or ceremony, expressing good will, compliment, or respect, as a kiss, a bow, etc. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who salutes. [ 1913 Webster ]