Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FARE-WELL, v.

A compound of fare, in the imperative, and well. Go well; originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It expresses a kind wish, a wish of happiness to those who leave or those who are left. The verb and adverb are often separated by the pronoun; fare you well; I wish you a happy departure; may you be well in your absence. It is sometimes an expression of separation only. Farewell the year; farewell ye sweet groves; that is, I take my leave of you.