hand·sel (h nd s l) also han·sel (hn-) Chiefly British n. 1. A gift to express good wishes at the beginning of a new year or enterprise. 2. The first money or barter taken in, as by a new business or on the opening day of business, especially when considered a token of good luck. 3. a. A first payment. b. A specimen or foretaste of what is to come. tr.v. hand·seled or hand·selled also han·seled or han·selled, hand·sel·ing or hand·sel·ling also han·sel·ing or han·sel·ling, hand·sels also han·sels 1. To give a handsel to. 2. To launch with a ceremonial gesture or gift. 3. To do or use for the first time. [Middle English hanselle, from Old English handselen, a handing over (hand, hand + selen, gift) and from Old Norse handsal, legal transfer (hand, hand + sal, a giving).] |
handsel, hansel [ˈhænsəl] Archaic or dialect
n
a gift for good luck at the beginning of a new year, new venture, etc.
vb -sels, -selling, -selled US, -sels -seling, -seled (tr)
1. to give a handsel to (a person)
2. to begin (a venture) with ceremony; inaugurate
[Old English handselen delivery into the hand; related to Old Norse handsal promise sealed with a handshake, Swedish handsöl gratuity; see hand, sell]
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