Welcome | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Wĕl'come, a.

adjective

(wĕl'kum), a. [A-S. wilcuma, a welcome guest, wilcume, interj., wilcumian, to welcome, from wil, as a prefix, for wel, well, and cuman, to come, cuma, a comer; Ger. willkommen, bewillkommen; O. Fr. wilecome, welcumier.]

Sense 1. Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, and company; as, a welcome guest.

Sense 2. Producing gladness in its reception; grateful; pleasing; as, a welcome present; welcome news. “O, welcome hour!” Milton.

Sense 3. Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library.

Welcome is used elliptically for you are welcome. “Welcome, great monarch, to your own.” Dryden.

To bid welcome, to receive with professions of kindness.

Welcome-to-our-house, a certain plant. Ainsworth.

Wĕl'cŏme, n.

noun

n. 1. Salutation of a new comer.

“Welcome ever smiles.” Shak.

Sense 2. Kind reception of a guest or new comer; as, we entered the house and found a ready welcome.

Truth finds an entrance and a welcome too. South.

Wĕl'cŏme, v. t.

verbtransitive

(wĕl/kum), v. t. [imp. & p. p. WEL-COMED; p. pr. & vb. n. WELCOMING.] [Sax. wilcumian.] To salute with kindness, as a new comer; to receive and entertain hospitably and cheerfully.

Thus we salute thee with our early song, And welcome thee, and wish thee long. Milton.