hail
1. hail \'ha-(*)l\ n [ME, fr. OE hgl; akin to OHG hagal hail, Gk
kachle-x] pebble 1a: precipitation in the form of small balls or lumps usu.
consisting of co ncentric layers of clear ice and compact snow archaic 1b:
HAILSTORM 2: something that gives the effect of falling hail
2. hail vi 1: to precipitate hail 2: to pour down like hail : to hurl or
shower down forcibly {~ed curses on him}
3. hail ij [ME, fr. ON heill, fr. heill healthy - more at WHOLE] 1: - used
to express acclamation archaic 2: - used as a salutation
4. hail vt 1a: SALUTE, GREET 1b: to greet with enthusiastic approval :
ACCLAIM 2: to greet or summon by calling : to call out; esp : to call a
greeting to a passing ship : to come from - hail.er n
5. hail n 1: an exclamation of greeting or acclamation 2: a calling to
attract attention 3: hailing distance