from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]