WASSAIL


Meaning of WASSAIL in English

/ 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.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.