I. noun
also han·sel ˈhan(t)səl
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English hansell, probably from Old Norse handsal obligation confirmed by a handshake, handshake, promise, from hand-, hond hand + sal payment, payday; akin to Old Norse selja to give, sell — more at hand , sell
1. obsolete
a. : a token of luck : luck
b. : augury
2. : a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new course of action or upon someone's entering upon a new condition: as
a. : a bridegroom's present to the bride on her wedding day
b. : money given at the new year
3. : something received first (as in a day of trading or at a shop newly opened) and taken to be a token of good luck
4.
a. : a first installment or earnest money
b. : earnest , foretaste
our present tears … are but the handsels of our joys hereafter — Robert Herrick †1674
II. transitive verb
also hansel “
( handseled or handselled ; handseled or handselled ; handseling or handselling -s(ə)liŋ ; handsels )
Etymology: Middle English handsellen, from handsel, n.
1. chiefly Britain : to give a handsel to
2. chiefly Britain : to celebrate the beginning of the existence or use of : inaugurate with a token or gesture of luck or pleasure
handsel a new house with a banquet
3. chiefly Britain : to use or do for the first time : be the first to try or experience