noun

1. a present for good luck, as at the new year or on the launching of a new business
2. Rare
   1. a first payment or first installment
   2. the first money taken in by a new business or on any day of business
3. the first use or specimen of anything, regarded as a token of what is to follow

Etymology: ME handsel < OE (rare) handselen, a giving into hand & ON handsal, sealing of a bargain by a handclasp (transl. of L mancipatio: see emancipation), both < hand + IE base of sell

transitive verb handseled -·seled or handselled -·selled, handseling -·sel·ing or handselling -·sel·ling

1. to give a handsel to
2. to begin or launch with ceremony and gifts
3. to use, do, etc. for the first time

Etymology: ME handsellen < ON handselja