[wel.come] vt wel.comed ; wel.com.ing [ME, fr. OE welcumian, wylcumian, fr. wilcuma, n.] (bef. 12c) 1: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality
2: to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of "~s danger" -- wel.com.er n
[2]welcome interj [ME, alter. of wilcume, fr. OE, fr. wilcuma desirable guest (akin to OHG willicomo desirable guest); akin to OE willa, will desire, cuman to come--more at will, come] (12c)--used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival [3]welcome adj (12c) 1: received gladly into one's presence or companionship "was always ~ in their home"
2: giving pleasure: received with gladness or delight esp. in response to a need "a ~ relief"
3: willingly permitted or admitted "he was ~ to come and go --W. M. Thackeray" 4--used in the phrase "You're welcome" as a reply to an expression of thanks -- wel.come.ly adv -- wel.come.ness n [4]welcome n (1525) 1: a greeting or reception usu. upon arrival
2: the state of being welcome "overstayed their ~"