Handsel Definition
hăndsəl
handseled, handseling, handselled, handselling, handsels
noun
A present for good luck, as at the new year or on the launching of a new business.
Webster's New World
The first money taken in by a new business or on any day of business.
Webster's New World
A first payment or first installment.
Webster's New World
The first use or specimen of anything, regarded as a token of what is to follow.
Webster's New World
A specimen or foretaste of what is to come.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
verb
To give a handsel to.
Webster's New World
To begin or launch with ceremony and gifts.
Webster's New World
To use, do, etc. for the first time.
Webster's New World
Origin of Handsel
Middle English hanselle from Old English handselen a handing over (hand hand) (selen gift) and from Old Norse handsal legal transfer (hand hand) (sal a giving)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Old English handselen, or Old Norse handsal. See sell, sale.
From Wiktionary
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