[Grizzled Bear]

Hail, used as an interjection, comes from the Old Norse heill, meaning health. It is a salutation, one that has come to have a sense of acclamation to it (eg. hail to the chief).

To be honest, I've been screening several translations. Other than the King James, the passage from Luke is translated "greetings."

So, when a Catholic prays, "Hail Mary" they're actually saying "Hi, Mary."

Additionally, Christians were put to death for failing to say, "Hi Ceaser!"

I guess I can accept that, but would someone please explain how the Angel Gabriel began speaking Old Norse!

[aposiopetic]

someone please explain how the Angel Gabriel began speaking Old Norse!

That's a good one!

And, just to keep things real here, I should quote what is too easily overlooked, and I am as guilty as, or guiltier than, anybody, in not living up to the standard set:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

[Trailerpark Badass]

I’m using the OED.