Farewell

Farewell - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

FA'REWELL, a compound of fare, in the imperative, and well. Go well; originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It expresses a kind wish, a wish of happiness to those who leave or those who are left.

The verb and adverb are often separated by the pronoun; fare you well; I wish you a happy departure; may you be well in your absence.

It is sometimes an expression of separation only. Farewell the year; farewell ye sweet groves; that is, I take my leave of you.

FA'REWELL, n.

1. A wish of happiness or welfare at parting; the parting compliment; adieu.

2. Leave; act of departure.

And takes her farewell of the glorious sun.

Before I take my farewell of the subject.

far-wel' (chairo), Fare ye, or thou, well: Originally a wish at parting for those faring forth (traveling):

(1) As a parting wish at the close of a letter it represents the Greek err(h)oso, "Be strong," imperative of rhonnumi, "to make strong" (Ac 15:29; 23:30 the King James Version; see the Revised Version, margin; 2 Macc 11:21); once chairete (imperative of chairo), "Rejoice!" (2Co 13:11, the Revised Version, margin "Rejoice: be perfected").

(2) As equivalent to our saying "good-bye," it represents the Greek apotassomai, "to separate one's self," "to take leave," "to bid farewell" (Lu 9:61, "to bid farewell to them that are at my house"; Ac 18:21, "bade them farewell," the Revised Version (British and American) "taking his leave of them").

See FARE; GREETING.

W. L. Walker