Applied a saline coating outside, you heard, and made a sign of respect (7)
I believe the answer is:
saluted
'applied a saline coating outside you heard and' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'a sign of respect' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'sign of respect' could be 'salute' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'salute' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'made' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for saluted that I've seen before include "Presented arms" , "Given a tribute" , "Acknowledged" , "Kissed" , "Recognised with a gesture" .)