[ 'wɒseɪl , 'wɒs(ə)l , 'wa- ]
archaic
■ noun
1》 spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve.
2》 lively festivities involving the drinking of much alcohol.
■ verb
1》 make merry with much alcohol.
2》 [usu. as noun ~ing ] go from house to house at Christmas singing carols.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME wæs hæil 'be in (good) health!': from ON ves heill (cf. hail 2 ).