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.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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