- salutatorian (n.)
- 1847, from adjective salutatory (1660s), "of the nature of a salutation," in the specific sense "designating the welcoming address given at a college commencement" (1702, the address usually in Latin), from Latin salutatorius "pertaining to visiting or greeting," from salut-, past participle stem of salutare "to greet" (see salute).