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handsel
[ han-suhl ]
noun
- a gift or token for good luck or as an expression of good wishes, as at the beginning of the new year or when entering upon a new situation or enterprise.
- Rare. a first installment of payment.
- Rare. the initial experience of anything; first encounter with or use of something taken as a token of what will follow; foretaste.
verb (used with object)
- to give (someone) a gift for good luck or as an expression of good wishes, especially at the beginning of the new year or the launch of a new enterprise..
- Older Use. to inaugurate auspiciously.
- Older Use. to use, try, or experience for the first time.
handsel
/ ˈhænsəl /
noun
- a gift for good luck at the beginning of a new year, new venture, etc
verb
- to give a handsel to (a person)
- to begin (a venture) with ceremony; inaugurate
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Other Words From
- un·hand·seled (especially British) un·hand·selled adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of handsel1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of handsel1
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Example Sentences
"And here's a handsel to cross his palm," added Harry, passing the piper something invisible.
He would instantly give him a 'handsel' of harrying to stay his proud stomach.
But the devil a sou the devils took; far from taking handsel, they were flouted and jeered by the country louts.
"Mercury hath sent us precious handsel this morning, truly," said he, when his diversion was concluded.
A bareheaded lassie, hoping to be handsel, threw down twopence, and asked tape at three yards for a halfpenny.
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