Salute \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Salute \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)