handsel (Meaning)
handsel (n.)
A sale, gift, or delivery into the hand of another; especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the first of a series, and regarded as on omen for the rest; a first installment; an earnest; as the first money received for the sale of goods in the morning, the first money taken at a shop newly opened, the first present sent to a young woman on her wedding day, etc.
Price; payment.
To give a handsel to.
To use or do for the first time, esp. so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.
Synonyms & Antonyms of handsel
Synonyms:
- philanthropy
- tip
- valentine
- dowry
- dole
- foy
- giveaway
- sacrifice
- tithe
- bequest
- freebie
- reward
- lagniappe
- box
- propine
- beneficence
- care package
- courtesy
- tribute
- generosity
- benevolence
- award
- gratuity
- remembrance
- boon
- benefaction
- windfall
- oblation
- handout
- bonus
- charity
- legacy
- alms
- subsidy
- fairing
- grant
Antonyms:
handsel Sentence Examples
- The tradition of handselling, or giving a small gift to seal a deal, has persisted throughout history.
- In Scotland, it is customary to handsel a new home by leaving a coin on the doorstep for good luck.
- The client handselled the artist for completing the portrait, ensuring a satisfied transaction.
- The first sale of the day is considered a handsel and is believed to bring prosperity to the business.
- As a token of gratitude, the traveler handselled the innkeeper for their hospitality.
- It is believed that a handsel can ward off evil spirits and protect the recipient from harm.
- The handsel was a simple gift, but it symbolized the bond forged between the buyer and seller.
- The politician handselled his constituents with campaign merchandise as a gesture of goodwill.
- The child's first handsel was a tiny silver spoon, a cherished keepsake.
- The handsel was not just a monetary gesture but also a way of wishing success and happiness to the recipient.
FAQs About the word handsel
A sale, gift, or delivery into the hand of another; especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the first of a series, and regarded as on omen for the
donation,gift, presentation, present, donative, freebee, largesse, contribution, offering, largess
loan, advance, loan, advance, sop, bribe,bribe, sop, douceur, douceur
The tradition of handselling, or giving a small gift to seal a deal, has persisted throughout history.
In Scotland, it is customary to handsel a new home by leaving a coin on the doorstep for good luck.
The client handselled the artist for completing the portrait, ensuring a satisfied transaction.
The first sale of the day is considered a handsel and is believed to bring prosperity to the business.
