[was.sail] n [ME waes haeil, fr. ON ves heill be well, fr. ves (imper. sing. of vera to be) + heill healthy--more at was, whole] (13c) 1: an early English toast to someone's health
2: a hot drink that is made with wine, beer, or cider, spices, sugar, and usu. baked apples and is traditionally served in a large bowl esp. at Christmastime
3: riotous drinking: revelry
[2]wassail vi (14c) 1: to indulge in wassail: carouse
2. dial Eng: to sing carols from house to house at Christmas ~ vt: to drink to the health or thriving of