handsel
handsel · handsels
A gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant…A gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.
/ˈhænd.səl/
Meaning
3 sensesA gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.
(obsolete)A lucky omen.
(archaic)Price, payment; especially the first installment of a series.
Translations
2 languagesOrigin
From Middle English handsell, hanselle, from Old English handselen and/or Old Norse handsaFrom Middle English handsell, hanselle, from Old English handselen and/or Old Norse handsal (literally “hand-gift”). Cognate with Scots hansel, Danish handsel.
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