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)