Handsel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈhan(t)-səl/ hand·sel

Meaning & Definition of Handsel

Handsel (noun)

  1. a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year
  2. something received first (as in a day of trading) and taken to be a token of good luck
  3. a first installment, earnest money

Handsel (verb)

  1. to give a handsel to
  2. to inaugurate with a token or gesture of luck or pleasure
  3. to use or do for the first time

Handsel (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something given to someone without expectation of a return

    "gave little handsels to their houseguests on New Year's Day"

    similar: bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing (British), freebie, gift, giveaway, lagniappe, largesse, present, presentation
    related: alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, handout, oblation, offering, philanthropy, tithe, box (British), care package, foy (chiefly Scottish), grant, subsidy, remembrance, tribute, valentine, bonus, boon, windfall, courtesy, favor, generosity, sacrifice, gratuity, propine (Scottish), tip, award, prize, reward, dowry, bequest, legacy
    near: advance, loan, bribe, douceur, peace offering, sop

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Handsel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Handsel:

British: fairing
bestowal, comp, donation, donative, freebie, gift, giveaway, lagniappe, largesse, present, presentation

Related Words for Handsel

alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, handout, oblation, offering, philanthropy, tithe, box, care package, foy, grant, subsidy, remembrance, tribute, valentine, bonus, boon, windfall, courtesy, favor, generosity, sacrifice, gratuity, propine, tip

Near Antonyms of Handsel

advance, loan, bribe, douceur, peace offering, sop

Word Forms of Handsel

Inflections: handseled, handselled, handseling, handselling

Origin & Etymology of Handsel

Middle English hansell

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Handsel

What does "Handsel" mean?

"Handsel" means a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year.

What is another word for "Handsel"?

Other words for "Handsel" include bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing, freebie, gift and giveaway. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Handsel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Handsel"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Handsel". Common alternatives include bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing, freebie, gift, giveaway, lagniappe and largesse.

How do you use "Handsel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Handsel" in a sentence: "gave little handsels to their houseguests on New Year's Day".

Is "Handsel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Handsel" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Handsel"?

"Handsel" is pronounced /ˈhan(t)-səl/ and divided into syllables as hand·sel.

What is the origin of the word "Handsel"?

"Handsel" comes from Middle English hansell. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Handsel" meaning "something given to someone without expectation of a return"?

When "Handsel" (noun) means something given to someone without expectation of a return, synonyms include bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing and freebie.