GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Wassail , n. [AS. wes hāl (or an equivalent form in another dialect) be in health, which was the form of drinking a health. The form wes is imperative. See Was, and Whole.]
   1913 Webster
   An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
   1913 Webster
   Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, on the authority of Walter Calenius, 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 waes heil, that is, literally, Health be to you.
   N. Drake.
   
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   An occasion on which such good wishes are expressed in drinking; a drinking bout; a carouse. “In merry wassail he . . . peals his loud song.” 
   Sir W. Scott.
   
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   The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse,
   Keeps wassail.
   Shak.
   
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   The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail.
   Prescott.
   
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   The liquor used for a wassail; esp., a beverage formerly much used in England at Christmas and other festivals, made of ale (or wine) flavored with spices, sugar, toast, roasted apples, etc.; -- called also lamb's wool.
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   A jolly wassail bowl,
   A wassail of good ale.
   Old Song.
   
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   A festive or drinking song or glee. [Obs.]
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   Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you.
   Beau. & Fl.
   
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2.       
   Wassail, a. Of or pertaining to wassail, or to a wassail; convivial; as, a wassail bowl. “Awassail candle, my lord, all tallow.”
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Wassail bowl, a bowl in which wassail was mixed, and placed upon the table. “Spiced wassail bowl.” J. Fletcher. “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.
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3.       
   Wassail, v. i. To hold a wassail; to carouse.
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   Spending all the day, and good part of the night, in dancing, caroling, and wassailing.
   Sir P. Sidney.
   
   1913 Webster