noun
- the act of giving a gift to mark the beginning of something new or to bring good luck
Usage: archaic; British
verb
- present participle of hansel: to give a gift to mark a beginning or for good luck
Usage: archaic; British
Examples
- The hanselling of the new house involved giving coins to the first visitors.
- She was hanselling the bride with a silver sixpence for her shoe.
- The tradition of hanselling a new business with money dates back centuries.
- They were hanselling the newborn with small gifts and blessings.
- The hanselling ceremony marked the opening of the new shop.