salutatorian Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a graduating student with the second highest academic rank; may deliver the opening address at graduation exercises
    salutatory speaker.

WordNet

Sa*lu`ta*to"ri*an noun
Definitions
  1. The student who pronounces the salutatory oration at the annual Commencement or like exercises of a college, -- an honor commonly assigned to that member of the graduating class who ranks second in scholarship. U.S.

Webster 1913