Definition of "salutatory" in English

adjective

1. Characteristic of or relating to a salutation or greeting.

   • a salutatory oration
   • a salutatory editorial
   • a salutatory address
   • 1659, David Dickson, An Exposition of All St. Pauls Epistles Together with an Explanation of Those Other Epistles of the Apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude, London: Francis Eglesfield, “The First Epistle General of Peter,” Chapter 1, p. 287, In the benediction, or salutatory prayer, he wishes for encrease and multiplication of the effects of Divine favour towards them […]
   • 2018, Scott Jaschik (quoting Joey King), “Should Presidents Hug?” Inside Higher Ed, 19 February, 2018, King said that he knows "plenty of huggers, male and female, who are presidents and provosts." He said that they "tend to overdo it, in my opinion. My advice would be to stick with more professional salutatory behavior but for exceptional circumstances."

noun

1. (chiefly US) A greeting; an address, speech or article of greeting; the first editorial by the new editor of a newspaper or periodical; an introduction or preface.

   • She was chosen to deliver the salutatory at the commencement ceremony.
   • 1916, Max B. May, Isaac Mayer Wise, the Founder of American Judaism: A Biography, New York: Putnam, Chapter 16, p. 395, His life’s work is well summed up in his salutatory to vol. xliv. of the American Israelite […]

2. (obsolete) A place for saluting or greeting.