Word of the Day – Wassail

Wassail (noun) (archaic)

was-el

Spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve./ Lively and noisy festivities involving the drinking of plentiful amounts of alcohol; revelry.

Middle English wæs hæil ‘be in (good) health!’: from Old Norse ves heill (compare with hail). The drinking formula wassail (and the reply drinkhail ‘drink good health’) were probably introduced by Danish-speaking inhabitants of England, and then spread, so that by the 12th century the usage was considered by the Normans to be characteristic of Englishmen.

Example sentences

“Glasses of wassail and good cheer all round.”

“an evening of wit and wassail!”