Hail Columbia

noun

, Slang.

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Long may we hear old Hail Columbia, that good old national air, played on all our martial instruments!

I felt like giving him 'Hail Columbia,' but I restrained myself.

The hint was sufficient; not only did we hear no more of "Hail Columbia," but none of the musicians ever came near the ship.

Directly afterwards, two other officers rode in, and were likewise saluted with "Hail Columbia!"

But we were prouder still, when, as we were going out with the throng, the band struck up "Hail Columbia."

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