That man is well bought who costs but a salutation. [ Proverb ]

Beware of him who meets you with a friendly mien, and, in the midst of a cordial salutation, seeks to avoid your glance. [ Lavater ]

The Greeks adored their gods by the simple compliment of kissing their hands; and the Romans were treated as atheists if they would not perform the same act when they entered a temple. This custom, however, as a religious ceremony declined with paganism, but was continued as a salutation by inferiors to their superiors, or as a token of esteem among friends. [ Disraeli ]