\Sa*lute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Saluted}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Saluting}.] [L. salutare, salutatum, from salus, -utis,
health, safety. See {Salubrious}.]
1. To address, as with expressions of kind wishes and
   courtesy; to greet; to hail.
         I salute you with this kingly title.  --Shak.
2. 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.
3. (Mil. & Naval) To honor, as some day, person, or nation,
   by a discharge of cannon or small arms, by dipping colors,
   by cheers, etc.
4. To promote the welfare and safety of; to benefit; to
   gratify. [Obs.] ``If this salute my blood a jot.'' --Shak.

\Sa*lute"\, n. [Cf. F. salut. See {Salute}, v.]
1. The act of saluting, or expressing kind wishes or respect;
   salutation; greeting.
2. A sign, token, or ceremony, expressing good will,
   compliment, or respect, as a kiss, a bow, etc. --Tennyson.
3. (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.