To touch your cap

[nyggus]

"... and he [the soldier] touched his cap, for he had never seen such a dog as that before." (From HCh Andersen, The Tinder-Box)

I understand that "to touch one's cap" means here "to salute" and that the soldier wanted to show in this way his appreciation to the dog. Am I right?

Thanks,
Nyggus

[Anglika]

Yes - though it is more a token salute than a full salute, and it is a sign of respect rather than appreciation.

Men would touch their forefingers to the front of their caps/hats as a symbol of raising the hat from the head as a sign of respect.

[nyggus]

Yes - though it is more a token salute than a full salute, and it is a sign of respect rather than appreciation.

Men would touch their forefingers to the front of their caps/hats as a symbol of raising the hat from the head as a sign of respect.

Thanks. This is done in Poland as well, but rather by older men as a kind of respectful greeting.

Nyggus