was·sail (w s l, w -s l )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.
[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.]
was sail·er n. |
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]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | wassail - a punch made of sweetened ale or wine heated with spices and roasted apples; especially at Christmaspunch - 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!"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"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" |