From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
greeting
n 1: (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good
will (especially on meeting) [syn: greeting,
salutation]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Greet \Greet\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Greeted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Greeting.] [OE. greten, AS. gr[=e]tan to address, approach;
akin to OS. gr[=o]tian, LG. gr["o]ten, D. groeten, OHG.
gruozzen, G. gr["u]ssen. [root]50.]
1. To address with salutations or expressions of kind wishes;
to salute; to hail; to welcome; to accost with friendship;
to pay respects or compliments to, either personally or
through the intervention of another, or by writing or
token.
[1913 Webster]
My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To come upon, or meet, as with something that makes the
heart glad.
[1913 Webster]
In vain the spring my senses greets. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
3. To accost; to address. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Greeting \Greet"ing\, n.
Expression of kindness or joy; salutation at meeting; a
compliment from one absent.
[1913 Webster]
Write to him . . . gentle adieus and greetings. --Shak.
Syn: Salutation; salute; compliment.
[1913 Webster]