[cf. Belize heel to hail, visit (Dayley); also Gul. (Parsons 1923:25); cf. US Black "De deer hail to de tarpin-,'Where you at?" (Parsons 1917a:174); cf. OED hail to salute with "hail!"; to call or shout to (a ship, a person) from a dis-tance, in order to attract attention nautical]

v. 1. to shout: 1918 Jack hail fer Mr, William Grey Morris, and say "Hello! I'se come." (Parsons 57). (Black)

2. to greet: 1966 He was passing and the gal hail him (Crowley 57). (Gen.)

-n, 1. a greeting: I give her a hail (Nassau).

2. a brief or informal visit to a person's house: I'll give you a hail tomorrow (Exuma).