Handsel

Pronunciation: /ˈhændsəl/

Definitions of handsel

noun a gift or token given for good luck or as an expression of good wishes, especially at the beginning of a new year or enterprise

Example Sentences

A1 A handsel is a small gift given for good luck.

A2 During the holidays, it is customary to give handsels to friends and family.

B1 The new employee received a handsel from their coworkers on their first day.

B2 In some cultures, it is believed that receiving a handsel brings prosperity and happiness.

C1 The handsel given to the bride and groom symbolized the start of their new life together.

C2 As a gesture of goodwill, the company decided to offer a handsel to all of its loyal customers.

Examples of handsel in a Sentence

formal The company gave a handsel to all its employees during the holiday season.

informal I received a handsel from my boss for a job well done.

slang I'm hoping for a handsel from my parents for my birthday.

figurative The unexpected promotion was a handsel that brightened up her day.

Grammatical Forms of handsel

• past tense: handselled
• plural: handsels
• comparative: more handsel
• superlative: most handsel
• present tense: handsel
• future tense: will handsel
• perfect tense: have handselled
• continuous tense: is handselling
• singular: handsel
• positive degree: handsel
• infinitive: to handsel
• gerund: handselling
• participle: handselled

Origin and Evolution of handsel

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'handsel' originated from Middle English, derived from Old English 'handselen' meaning a giving into hand or a pledge.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'handsel' has evolved from a pledge or gift given into the hand to signify good luck or auspicious beginnings, to its modern usage as a token or gift given on a special occasion or at the beginning of something new.