Handsel - definition, pronunciation, transcription

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Amer.  |ˈhænsʌl|  American pronunciation of the word handsel
Brit.  |ˈhændsəl|  British pronunciation of the word handsel

noun

- A gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.
- The first installment, or first payment of money in a day or series.

verb

-  To give a handsel to.
-  To inaugurate by means of some ceremony; to break in.
-  To use or do for the first time, especially so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.

Extra examples

...gave little handsels to their houseguests on New Year's Day...

It was the immemorial custom for servants to receive handsel or first gifts of the year on this day.

No expression was ever yet used which some one had not to handsel.

I wanted to present her with something to handsel friendship.

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