Wassail: meaning, definitions and examples

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wassail

 

[ หˆwษ”หseษชl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

celebration drink

Wassail is a hot, spiced cider or ale traditionally consumed as part of celebrations, particularly during the Christmas season. It often includes ingredients such as apples, honey, and spices, and is served warm in a large bowl or jug. The term is also associated with the practice of singing carols or toasting in a communal celebration. In historical contexts, wassail was used to symbolize goodwill and festive cheer, often accompanied by songs and revelry.

Synonyms

holiday drink, mulled wine, spiced cider

Examples of usage

  • We raised our mugs of wassail to celebrate the new year.
  • The wassail bowl was filled with fragrant spices and apple cider.
  • During the party, guests took turns sharing wassail recipes.
  • Every Christmas Eve, we gather to sip wassail and sing carols.
Context #2 | Verb

celebrate festively

To wassail means to toast or drink to someone's health in a jovial manner. This term often includes the idea of singing and celebrating, especially during the winter holidays. Historically, it involved going door-to-door, offering the drink while singing traditional songs. The act of wassailing is rooted in ancient customs that invoke blessings upon the harvest or the household.

Synonyms

carol, celebrate, toast

Examples of usage

  • We will wassail our neighbors to spread holiday cheer.
  • The group wassailed in the streets, filling the air with music.
  • They decided to wassail the orchards for a good apple harvest.
  • As they wassailed, laughter and song echoed through the village.

Translations

Translations of the word "wassail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น saudaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคตเคตเคฐเฅเคท เค•เฅ€ เคถเฅเคญเค•เคพเคฎเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wassail

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ minum untuk merayakan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะฐััะตะนะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wesoล‚ych ล›wiฤ…t

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฏใƒƒใ‚ปใ‚คใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท wassail

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ wassail

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท wassail

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™€์„ธ์ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆูŽุณูŽูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ wassail

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ wassail

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฅ้…’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ wassail

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ wassail

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฒะฐััะตะนะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒแƒกแƒ”แƒ˜แƒš

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ wassail

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ wassail

Etymology

The word 'wassail' comes from the Old Norse expression 'ves heill,' which translates to 'be thou healthy.' This usage reflects the communal nature of the drink, originally used as a toast to good health. The transition of 'wassail' into English occurred during the medieval period, evolving from a simple toast into a festive drink that encompasses various traditions, particularly during Christmas. In ancient England, wassailing was also associated with pagan rituals and later merged with Christian customs. The popularization of wassail as a drink and celebration is noted in medieval literature, where it is linked to feasting and joy. Over the centuries, the tradition of wassailing has persisted, particularly in rural communities, maintaining its significance as a symbol of holiday spirit and goodwill.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,301, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.