释义 |
hand·sel I. noun also han·sel \ˈhan(t)səl\ (-s) Etymology: Middle English hansell, probably from Old Norse handsal obligation confirmed by a handshake, handshake, promise, from hand-, hond hand + sal payment, payday; akin to Old Norse selja to give, sell — more at hand, sell 1. obsolete a. : a token of luck : luck b. : augury 2. : a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new course of action or upon someone's entering upon a new condition: as a. : a bridegroom's present to the bride on her wedding day b. : money given at the new year 3. : something received first (as in a day of trading or at a shop newly opened) and taken to be a token of good luck 4. a. : a first installment or earnest money b. : earnest, foretaste < our present tears … are but the handsels of our joys hereafter — Robert Herrick †1674 > II. transitive verb also hansel \“\ (handseled or handselled ; handseled or handselled ; handseling or handselling \-s(ə)liŋ\ ; handsels) Etymology: Middle English handsellen, from handsel, n. 1. chiefly Britain : to give a handsel to 2. chiefly Britain : to celebrate the beginning of the existence or use of : inaugurate with a token or gesture of luck or pleasure < handsel a new house with a banquet > 3. chiefly Britain : to use or do for the first time : be the first to try or experience |