What does "salute" mean?

Salute: Hence, to give a sign of good will; to compliment by an act or ceremony, as a kiss, a bow, etc. You have the prettiest tip of a finger . . . I must take the freedom to salute it. Addison.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Mil. & Naval) To honor, as some day, person, or nation, by a discharge of cannon or small arms, by dipping colors, by cheers, etc.
  2. 3.To promote the welfare and safety of; to benefit; to gratify. [Obs.] "If this salute my blood a jot." Shak.
  3. 4.The act of saluting, or expressing kind wishes or respect; salutation; greeting.
  4. 5.A sign, token, or ceremony, expressing good will, compliment, or respect, as a kiss, a bow, etc. Tennyson.
  5. 6.(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.

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