n. & v.
n. 1 a gesture of respect, homage, or courteous recognition, esp. made to or by a person when arriving or departing. 2 a Mil. & Naut. a prescribed or specified movement of the hand or of weapons or flags as a sign of respect or recognition. b (prec. by the) the attitude taken by an individual soldier, sailor, policeman, etc., in saluting. 3 the discharge of a gun or guns as a formal or ceremonial sign of respect or celebration. 4 Fencing the formal performance of certain guards etc. by fencers before engaging.
v. 1 a tr. make a salute to. b intr. (often foll. by to) perform a salute. 2 tr. greet; make a salutation to. 3 tr. (foll. by with) receive or greet with (a smile etc.). 4 tr. archaic hail as (king etc.). take the salute 1 (of the highest officer present) acknowledge it by gesture as meant for him. 2 receive ceremonial salutes by members of a procession. saluter n.
[ ME f. L salutare f. salus -utis health ]