Not exactly great way to say hello (5)

I believe the answer is:

greet

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'to say hello' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for greet that I've seen before include "Meet and salute" , "Give welcome to" , "Welcome (someone)" , "Egret (anag.)" , "Acknowledge" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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