/ ˈwɒseɪl; NAmE ˈwɑːs-/ verb [ v ] ( old use )
1.
to enjoy yourself by drinking alcohol with others
2.
to go from house to house at Christmas time singing carols
► was·sail·er noun
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English wæs hæil be in (good) health! : from Old Norse ves heill (compare with the verb hail ). The drinking formula wassail (and the reply drinkhail drink good health ) were probably introduced by Danish-speaking inhabitants of England, and then spread, so that by the 12th cent. the usage was considered by the Normans to be characteristic of Englishmen.