DEFINITION
HAIL:
• (n.) Small roundish masses of ice precipitated from the clouds,
where they are formed by the congelation of vapor. The separate masses
or grains are called hailstones.
• (v. i.) To pour down particles of ice, or frozen vapors.
• (v. t.) To pour forcibly down, as hail.
• (a.) Healthy. See Hale (the preferable spelling).
• (v. t.) To call loudly to, or after; to accost; to salute; to
address.
• (v. t.) To name; to designate; to call.
• (v. i.) To declare, by hailing, the port from which a vessel sails
or where she is registered; hence, to sail; to come; -- used with from;
as, the steamer hails from New York.
• (v. i.) To report as one's home or the place from whence one
comes; to come; -- with from.
• (v. t.) An exclamation of respectful or reverent salutation, or,
occasionally, of familiar greeting.
• (n.) A wish of health; a salutation; a loud call.