wassail

was·sail  (wsl, w-sl)

n.

1.

a. A salutation or toast given in drinking someone's health or as an expression of good will at a festivity.

b. The drink used in such toasting, commonly ale or wine spiced with roasted apples and sugar.

2. A festivity characterized by much drinking.

v. was·sailed, was·sail·ing, was·sails

v.tr.

To drink to the health of; toast.

v.intr.

To engage in or drink a wassail.

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[Middle English, contraction of wæshæil, be healthy, from Old Norse ves heill : ves, imperative sing. of vera, to be; see wes-¹ in Indo-European roots + heill, healthy; see kailo- in Indo-European roots.]

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wassail·er n.

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wassail

Noun

1. (formerly) a toast drunk to a person during festivities

2. a festivity involving a lot of drinking

3. hot spiced beer or mulled wine drunk at such a festivity

Verb

go wassailing to go from house to house singing carols at Christmas [Old Norse ves heill be in good health]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	wassail - a punch made of sweetened ale or wine heated with spices and roasted apples; especially at Christmas punch - an iced mixed drink usually containing alcohol and prepared for multiple servings; normally served in a punch bowl
Verb	1.	wassail - celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities; "The members of the wedding party made merry all night"; "Let's whoop it up--the boss is gone!" jollify, make happy, make merry, make whoopie, racket, whoop it up, revel fete, celebrate - have a celebration; "They were feting the patriarch of the family"; "After the exam, the students were celebrating" carouse, roister, riot - engage in boisterous, drunken merrymaking; "They were out carousing last night"
	2.	wassail - propose a toast to; "Let us toast the birthday girl!"; "Let's drink to the New Year" salute, toast, drink, pledge give - propose; "He gave the first of many toasts at the birthday party" honor, honour, reward - bestow honor or rewards upon; "Today we honor our soldiers"; "The scout was rewarded for courageous action"