1. Salutation to a newcomer. "Welcome ever smiles." Shak.
2. Kind reception of a guest or newcomer; as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome. His warmest welcome at an inn. Shenstone. Truth finds an entrance and a welcome too. South. To bid welcome, to receive with professions of kindness. To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. Shak.
WELCOME
Wel"come, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Welcomed; p. pr. & vb. n. Welcoming.]
Etym: [AS. wilcumian.]
Defn: To salute with kindness, as a newcomer; to receive and entertain hospitably and cheerfully; as, to welcome a visitor; to welcome a new idea. "I welcome you to land." Addison. Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. Milton.
WELCOMELY
Wel"come*ly, adv.
Defn: In a welcome manner.
WELCOMENESS
Wel"come*ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being welcome; gratefulness; agreeableness; kind reception.
WELCOMER
Wel"com*er, n.
Defn: One who welcomes; one who salutes, or receives kindly, a newcomer. Shak.