handsel

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: handset, handel, hansel, handsell

Antonyms: handset, handel, hansel, handsell

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Noun

1. {{lb|en|obsolete}} A lucky [[omen]].
2. A gift given at [[New Year]], or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.
3. {{lb|en|archaic}} [[price|Price]], [[payment]]; especially the first [[installment]] of a series.

Verb

1. {{lb|en|transitive}} To give a handsel to.
2. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[inaugurate]] by means of some [[ceremony]]; to [[break in]].
3. {{lb|en|transitive}} To [[use]] or do for the first time, especially so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.