handsel

Definition

A lucky omen.

Etymology

From Middle English handsell, hanselle, from Old English handselen and/or Old Norse handsal (literally “hand-gift”). Cognate with Scots hansel, Danish handsel.

Example Sentences

• "their first good handsel of breath in this world"
• "Our present tears here, not our present laughter, / Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter."
• "That whoso hardy hand on her doth lay , It dearly shall abye and death for handsel pay"