Definition of: handsel

(hand′səl, han′-) noun
1. A gift as a token of good will or to secure good luck.
2. Earnest money on a contract.
3. A bridegroom's gift to a bride.
4. Money given as a gift at New Year's.
—v.t. ·seled or ·selled, ·sel·ing or ·sel·ling
1. To give handsel to.
2. To do or use for the first time.
3. To inaugurate, as with a ceremony. Also spelled hansel. [OE handselen <hand hand + selen gift]