(a) To speak words of greeting, welcome, etc. to (sb.), hail, greet; acknowledge the arrival of (sb.) with words of greeting; also, invite the presence of (the Holy Spirit) with a hymn; ~ with word (wordes, etc.); (b) to receive (sb.) with reverence and a show of gladness, make welcome; receive (sb.) with hospitality, entertain (a visitor); also, behave affectionately toward (a pillow) [quot. a1375, 1st]; ~ faire; best welcomed, ?most welcome; (c) with adv. prep. phrases of manner: ~ in the most feithfulest (most best and godli) wise, ~ with gret honour (nobleie), etc., to receive or welcome (sb.) nobly, munificently, or becomingly; ~ with (gret) joie, ~ with fair (glad) chere, ~ with fair semblaunt, etc., receive or welcome (sb.) gladly, enthusiastically, or hospitably; (d) to present (Christ with good works) in welcome; (e) to celebrate the advent of (Christ); celebrate the coming of (spring); (f) to accept gladly (a course of life); also, of an inanimate thing: appeal to (sb.), attract; (g) with locational phrases: ~ hom, to express gladness at the return of (sb.) home; ?also, gladden (sb.), make merry with [quot. c1390]; ~ in-to (to), welcome (a visitor) into (a city, country, etc.); also, celebrate the presence of (Christ) in (a church) [last quot., 1st occurrence].