'Handsel Monday' definitions:

Definition of 'Handsel Monday'

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]