‖ proficiat Obs.
(prəʊˈfɪsɪæt)
[obs. F. proficiat (16th c. in Littré), a. L. prōficiat ‘may it profit’, 3rd pers. pres. subj. of prōfic-ĕre to be advantageous, to profit.]
A friendly greeting when meeting; payment to ensure a friendly welcome: cf. proface, footing vbl. n. 9, handsel n. 2.
| [1611 Cotgr., Proficiat, a fee, or beneuolence bestowed on Bishops, in manner of a welcome, immediately after their installments.] 1653 Urquhart Rabelais i. xvii, These buzzards wil have me to pay them here my welcom hither, and my Proficiat. Ibid. xxxiv, For my Proficiat I drink to all good fellowes. Ibid. ii. xxx. |