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1handsel

noun hand·sel \ˈhan(t)-səl\

Definition of HANDSEL

1
:  a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year
2
:  something received first (as in a day of trading) and taken to be a token of good luck
3
a :  a first installment :  earnest money
b :  earnest, foretaste
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Origin of HANDSEL

Middle English hansell
First Known Use: 14th century

Related to HANDSEL

Synonyms
bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing [British], freebie (or freebee), giveaway, gift, lagniappe, largesse (also largess), present, presentation

2handsel

verb
handseled or handselledhandsel·ing or handsel·ling \-s(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of HANDSEL

transitive verb
1
:  to give a handsel to
2
:  to inaugurate with a token or gesture of luck or pleasure
3
:  to use or do for the first time

First Known Use of HANDSEL

15th century

Rhymes with HANDSEL

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