Welcome \Wel"come\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Welcomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Welcoming.]

[AS. wilcumian.]

To salute with kindness, as a newcomer; to receive and entertain hospitably and cheerfully; as, to welcome a visitor; to welcome a new idea. ``I welcome you to land.'' --Addison.

Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. --Milton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Welcome \Wel"come\, a. [OE. welcome, welcume, wilcume, AS. wilcuma a welcome guest, from wil-, as a prefix, akin to willa will + cuma a comer, fr. cuman to come; hence, properly, one who comes so as to please another's will; cf. Icel. velkominn welcome, G. willkommen. See Will, n., and Come.]

1. Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, or company; as, a welcome visitor.

When the glad soul is made Heaven's welcome guest. --Cowper.

2. Producing gladness; grateful; as, a welcome present; welcome news. ``O, welcome hour!'' --Milton.

3. Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library.

Note: Welcome is used elliptically for you are welcome. ``Welcome, great monarch, to your own.'' --Dryden.

Welcome-to-our-house (Bot.), a kind of spurge (Euphorbia Cyparissias). --Dr. Prior.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Welcome \Wel"come\, n.

1. Salutation to a newcomer. ``Welcome ever smiles.'' --Shak.

2. Kind reception of a guest or newcomer; as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome.

His warmest welcome at an inn. --Shenstone.

Truth finds an entrance and a welcome too. --South.

To bid welcome, to receive with professions of kindness.

To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)