To greet someone respectfully or formally, often by raising your hand to your head in military fashion; or to acknowledge someone's achievements.
From Latin 'salutare' meaning 'to greet or wish health to,' from 'salus' (health or safety); the military gesture developed in medieval times as a way to show an open right hand (no weapon).
The military salute supposedly evolved to show you had no weapon in your raised hand—a gesture of peace that became the opposite, symbolizing obedience and readiness for combat, which is a wild historical irony.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.