handsel
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun A gift or token of good fortune or good will; especially, a New-Year's gift; an earnest or earnest-penny; a sale, gift, or delivery which is regarded as the first of a series; the first money taken in the morning in the way of trade; the first earnings of any one in a new employment or place of business; the first money taken in a shop newly opened; the first present sent to a young woman on her wedding-day, etc.
- adjective Used or employed for the first time; newly acquired or inherited.
- verb To give handsel to; use or do for the first time; try as for luck.
Examples
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'But these gentlemen,' said Trois Eschelles, looking towards the chimney, 'do not these help, and so take a handsel of our vocation?'
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This they did with entire diligence and he bade them also handsel all who were present with large gifts and dismiss them each to his country with honour and renown; he also charged his governors to rule the people with justice and enjoined them to be tender to the poor as well as to the rich and bade succour them from the treasury, according to their several degrees.
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She was wild with joy at the thought that she and Lucien would handsel this gift together; she would drive with him in the new carriage; and in her happiness, she seemed to love Camusot, she lavished caresses upon him.
Note
This word comes from the Old English 'handselen,' a handing over, 'hand' means 'hand,' and 'selen' means gift.
