Handsel

Definition of Handsel

Hand´sel   Pronunciation: hănd´sĕld
n.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.
Their first good handsel of breath in this world.
- Fuller.
Our present tears here, not our present laughter,
Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter.
- Herrick.
2.Price; payment.
Handsel Monday
the first Monday of the new year, when handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc.
v. t.1.To give a handsel to.
[imp. & p. p. Handseled or Handselled (hănd"sĕld); p. pr. & vb. n. Handseling or Handselling.]
2.To use or do for the first time, esp. so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.
No contrivance of our body, but some good man in Scripture hath handseled it with prayer.
- Fuller.
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