handsel

handsel

A shopkeeper gives a handsel to the first customer of the new year.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A gift or token for good luck: "handsel" refers to a gift given at the beginning of a new year, a new venture, or a new season, intended to bring good fortune.
    • A first payment or deposit: It can also mean an initial payment made as a pledge or guarantee, such as a down payment.
    • A first experience or taste: "handsel" can denote a foretaste or preliminary experience of something.

  2. Verb:

    • To give a handsel: To present a gift or token of good luck, especially at the start of a new year or enterprise.
    • To inaugurate or use for the first time: To initiate or use something for the first time, often with a sense of testing or blessing.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • The shopkeeper gave a handsel to the first customer of the new year. (A gift for good luck at the start of the year.)
    • He paid a small handsel to secure the contract. (A deposit or down payment.)

  • Verb:

    • They handseled the new house with a housewarming party. (They inaugurated the house with a celebration.)
    • She handselled her new car by taking it for a long drive. (She used the car for the first time.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to take a handsel": to receive a first payment or gift.

    • The apprentice took a handsel from his master as a sign of commitment. (He accepted a token payment.)

  • "handsel Monday": in Scottish tradition, the first Monday of the new year, when gifts were given.

    • On Handsel Monday, children received small presents. (A specific day for gift-giving.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Hansel (n): an alternative spelling of "handsel," used interchangeably.

    • He gave a hansel to the new employee. (A token of good luck.)

  • Handselling (n): the act of giving or receiving a handsel.

    • The handselling ceremony marked the beginning of the festival. (The gift-giving ritual.)
Synonyms
  • Token: a symbolic gift or gesture.
  • Deposit: a sum paid as a first instalment.
  • Foretaste: a preliminary experience.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "handsel."
Related Idioms

  • "a handsel of luck": a small amount of good fortune.

    • The unexpected promotion was a handsel of luck for him. (A small stroke of good luck.)

  • "to handsel a venture": to initiate a business or project with a lucky start.

    • They handselled their new shop by offering discounts. (They started the venture with a promotional gesture.)