Wassail

(wŏs'sil, 42), n. [A-S. wes-hál, be in health, which was the form of drinking a health.]

1Sense 1. An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to one.

Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, on the authority of Walter Catenius, that this lady [Rowena], the daughter of Hengist, knelt down on the approach of the king, and, presenting him with a cup of wine, exclaimed, Lord king, wæs-hēil, that is, literally, Health be to you. Drake.

2Sense 2. An occasion on which such good wishes were expressed in drinking; a festive season; roistering festivity; intemperate indulgence. “All the fault of wine and wassail.” W. Scott.

The king doth wake to-night, and takes his rouse, Keeps wassail. Shak.

The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail. Prescott.

3Sense 3. The liquor used at such festive occasions, and in which good wishes were drunk; especially, a beverage formerly much used in England in festive seasons, particularly at Christmas, composed of wine or ale, sugar, nutmeg, toast, and roasted apples; — called also lamb’s-wool.

A jolly wassail-bowl, A wassail of good ale. Old Song.

4Sense 4. A song or glee sung at a festive gathering.

Have you done your wassail? ’Tis a handsome, drowsy ditty, I assure you. Beau. & Fl.

(wŏs'sil), a. Of, pertaining to, or used for, wassail. “A wassail candle, my lord.” Shak.

Wassail-bowl, a bowl in which the beverage called wassail was mixed and contained. “Spiced wassail-bowl.” Beau. & Fl. “When the cloth was removed, the butler brought in a huge silver vessel. . . . Its appearance was hailed with acclamation, being the wassail-bowl so renowned in Christmas festivity.” W. Irving.—Wassail-cup, a cup from which wassail was drunk.