salutatory adj.

late 14c., saluten, "to greet courteously and respectfully," earlier salue (c. 1300, from Old French salver), from Latin salutare "to greet, pay respects," literally "wish health to," from salus (genitive salutis) "greeting, good health," which is related to salvus "safe" (from PIE root *sol- "whole, well-kept").

The military and nautical sense of "display flags, fire cannons, etc., as a mark of ceremonious recognition or respect" is recorded from 1580s; specific sense of "raise the hand to the cap in the presence of a superior officer" is from 1844. In 18c. use often "to greet with a kiss."

1841, "member of a college graduating who pronounces the salutatory oration at the annual commencement exercises," American English; with -ian + salutatory "of the nature of a salutation," here in the specific sense "designating the welcoming address given at college commencement exercises" (1702). The address, usually in Latin, typically was given by the second-ranking graduating student.