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.).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
saluter n.
Etymology: ME f. L salutare f. salus -utis health