Saloon \Sa*loon"\ (s[.a]*l[=oo]n"), n. [F. salon (cf. It.
   salone), fr. F. salle a large room, a hall, of German or
   Dutch origin; cf. OHG. sal house, hall, G. saal; akin to AS.
   sael, sele, D. zaal, Icel. salr, Goth. saljan to dwell, and
   probably to L. solum ground. Cf. {Sole} of the foot, {Soil}
   ground, earth.]
   1. A spacious and elegant apartment for the reception of
      company or for works of art; a hall of reception, esp. a
      hall for public entertainments or amusements; a large room
      or parlor; as, the saloon of a steamboat.
      
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            The gilden saloons in which the first magnates of
            the realm . . . gave banquets and balls. --Macaulay.
      
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   2. Popularly, a public room for specific uses; esp., a
      barroom or grogshop; as, a drinking saloon; an eating
      saloon; a dancing saloon.
      
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            We hear of no hells, or low music halls, or low
            dancing saloons [at Athens.]          --J. P.
                                                  Mahaffy.
      
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