n.
Pronunciation: ' han(t)-s ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English hansell
Date: 14th century
1 : a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year
2 : something received first (as in a day of trading) and taken to be a token of good luck
3 a : a first installment : earnest money b : EARNEST , FORETASTE