hand·sel 
(hăndsəl) also han·sel (hăn-) Chiefly British
(hăndsəl) also han·sel (hăn-) Chiefly British n.
1. A gift to express good wishes at the beginning of a new year or enterprise.
2. The first money or barter taken in, as by a new business or on the opening day of business, especially when considered a token of good luck.
3.
a. A first payment.
b. A specimen or foretaste of what is to come.
tr.v. hand·seled, hand·sel·ing, hand·sels or hand·selled or hand·sel·ling
1. To give a handsel to.
2. To launch with a ceremonial gesture or gift.
3. To do or use for the first time.
[Middle English hanselle, from Old English handselen, a handing over (hand, hand + selen, gift) and from Old Norse handsal, legal transfer (hand, hand + sal, a giving).]