salute

The story

1. Latin · borrowed fromsalūtō“to greet; to wish health to”
2. English todaysalute

Borrowed from Latin salūtō (“to greet; to wish health to”), from salūs (“greeting, good health”), related to salvus (“safe”).

First known use, by meaning

• from 15th c. An utterance or gesture expressing greeting or honor towards someone, (now especially) a formal, non-verbal gesture made with the arms or hands in any of various specific positions.
• from 16th c. A kiss, offered in salutation.
• from 17th c. A discharge of cannon or similar arms, as a mark of honour or respect.