The term "handselled" is a rare word that refers to the act of giving or receiving a gift or reward. Its IPA pronunciation is /ˈhændsəld/, with the "h" being silent. The first syllable "hand" is pronounced as "hænd," while the second syllable "selled" sounds like "səld," where the "e" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Middle English word "handsel," meaning a first installment or initial payment.
"Handselled" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "handsel," primarily used in British English. The term originates from the Old English word "handselen" or "handselenian," which refers to the act of giving a gift or making a gesture to bring good luck or success. The word is commonly associated with the old tradition of presenting a small sum of money or a gift to mark the initiation of a business transaction, the launch of a ship, or the beginning of a new venture.
In essence, "handselled" denotes the action of initiating or inaugurating something with a symbolic gift or gesture of good fortune. It implies bestowing a token of luck, blessings, or felicitations upon a person or an endeavor to ensure its auspicious beginning. This act serves to establish optimism, confidence, and camaraderie, inspiring positivity and prosperity in future endeavors.
The term "handselled" is often employed in historical texts or literature, particularly related to significant events, historical rituals, or customs, where the act of offering gifts or making ceremonial gestures play prominent roles. It signifies the ceremonial nature of an event and the importance placed on making auspicious beginnings when embarking on a new venture, be it economic, social, or personal in nature.
The word "handselled" originated from the Middle English word "handsel" which was derived from the Old English word "handselen".
The Old English "handselen" was a combination of "hand" (meaning "hand" or "to handle") and "selen" (meaning "to give" or "to bestow"). Therefore, "handselen" meant "to hand over" or "to give into the hands of someone".
Through the evolution of the English language, "handsel" eventually became "handselled", which is now used to describe an action or the act of bestowing or giving something as a token of good luck or to mark the beginning of something new.