1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a healing ointment.
2 (often foll. by for) a thing that is soothing or consoling for wounded feelings, an uneasy conscience, etc.
3 archaic a thing that explains away a discrepancy or palliates a fault.
--v.tr.
1. soothe (pride, self-love, conscience, etc.).
2 archaic anoint (a wound etc.).
3 archaic smooth over, make good, vindicate, harmonize, etc.
Etymology: OE s(e)alf(e), s(e)alfian f. Gmc; senses 1 and 3 of v. partly f. L salvare SAVE(1) 2. v.tr.
1. save (a ship or its cargo) from loss at sea.
2 save (property) from fire.
Derivatives:
salvable adj.
Etymology: back-form. f. SALVAGE