wassail
noun
a salutation wishing health to a person, used in England in early times when presenting a cup of drink or when drinking to the person.
wassailing
-
present participleof wassail.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some are exploring the specific needs of their communities to build revenue beyond pies and pints, offering book clubs, menopause fitness or ancient wassailing rituals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026
Class A, 1st, A formal affair … with tennis; A wassailing we will go; Best of the Wurst, New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. ; 3rd, The Rescuers, Seguin Gazette-Enterprise.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 3, 2019
The British tradition of wassailing in exchange for a bowl of hot mulled cider goes back centuries, as does eggnog.
From New York Times ● Dec. 19, 2016
This is orchard wassailing, the far older custom of serenading apple trees in winter to wake the sleepy, scrumpy-producing spirits within.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 5, 2013
Herrick sings,— "Wassaile the trees that they may beare You many a plum and many a peare; For more or less fruits they will bring As you so give them wassailing."
From Excursions by Henry David Thoreau
