Handsel

Handsel \Hand"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handseled} or
   {Handselled} (h[a^]nd"s[e^]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Handseling}
   or {Handselling}.] [Written also hansel.] [OE handsellen,
   hansellen; cf. Icel. hadsala, handselja. See {Handsel}, n.]
   1. To give a handsel to.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To use or do for the first time, esp. so as to make
      fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.
      [1913 Webster]

            No contrivance of our body, but some good man in
            Scripture hath handseled it with prayer. --Fuller.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Handsel \Hand"sel\ (h[a^]nd"s[e^]l), n. [Written also {hansel}.]
   [OE. handsal, hansal, hansel, AS. handselena giving into
   hands, or more prob. fr. Icel. handsal; hand hand + sal sale,
   bargain; akin to AS. sellan to give, deliver. See {Sell},
   {Sale}. ]
   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.
      [1913 Webster]

            Their first good handsel of breath in this world.
                                                  --Fuller.
      [1913 Webster]

            Our present tears here, not our present laughter,
            Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter.
                                                  --Herrick.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Price; payment. [Obs.] --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Handsel Monday}, the first Monday of the new year, when
      handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc.
      [1913 Webster]