Etymology: (bef. 1050; ME handselne good-luck token, good-will gift, OE handselen manumission, lit., hand-gift (see hand , sell ))
Definition of 'handsel'
Webster Dictionary
1. (noun)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 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
Definitions of handsel 
