handsel

¹hand·sel

noun \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

Examples of HANDSEL

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

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

Related Words: alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, handout, oblation, offering, philanthropy, tithe; box [British], care package, foy [chiefly Scottish]; grant, subsidy; remembrance, tribute, valentine; bonus, boon, windfall; courtesy, favor, generosity, sacrifice; gratuity, propine [Scottish], tip; award, prize, reward; dowry; bequest, legacy

Near Antonyms: advance, loan; bribe, douceur, peace offering, sop

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