'Handsel' definitions:
Definition of 'Handsel'
From: GCIDE
- Handsel \Hand"sel\ (h[a^]nd"s[e^]l), n. [Written also hansel.] [OE. handsal, hansal, hansel, AS. handselena giving into hands, or more prob. fr. Icel. handsal; hand hand + sal sale, bargain; akin to AS. sellan to give, deliver. See Sell, Sale. ]
- 1. A sale, gift, or delivery into the hand of another; especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the first of a series, and regarded as an omen for the rest; a first installment; an earnest; as the first money received for the sale of goods in the morning, the first money taken at a shop newly opened, the first present sent to a young woman on her wedding day, etc. [1913 Webster]
- Their first good handsel of breath in this world. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]
- Our present tears here, not our present laughter, Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter. --Herrick. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Price; payment. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
- Handsel Monday, the first Monday of the new year, when handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Handsel'
From: GCIDE
- Handsel \Hand"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handseled or Handselled (h[a^]nd"s[e^]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. Handseling or Handselling.] [Written also hansel.] [OE handsellen, hansellen; cf. Icel. hadsala, handselja. See Handsel, n.]
- 1. To give a handsel to. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To use or do for the first time, esp. so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally. [1913 Webster]
- No contrivance of our body, but some good man in Scripture hath handseled it with prayer. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]