The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Welcome \Wel"come\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Welcomed; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Welcoming.] [AS. wilcumian.]
   To salute with kindness, as a newcomer; to receive and
   entertain hospitably and cheerfully; as, to welcome a
   visitor; to welcome a new idea. "I welcome you to land."
   --Addison.
   [1913 Webster]

         Thus we salute thee with our early song,
         And welcome thee, and wish thee long.    --Milton.
   [1913 Webster]